REVIEWS FOR 'CIRCUS GIRL':
Bernard Zuel, Sydney Morning Herald
The songs on the previous album from north coaster Susanna Carman were suffused with deep loss. This time around, even though Carman focuses lyrically on misfiring relationships, there's a noticeable lifting of mood with 'Magdalena's Lover 'and 'I Can Do Anything' even hinting at a bit of Fleetwood Mac-via-Dixie Chicks skip. One of the winning factors is the emphasis on attractive backing vocals, sometimes courtesy of guests such as Sara Tindley, but most often Carman herself. Another is a flock of melodies that rarely sit there waiting for you to like them; they're too busy doing that cartoon birds-around-your-head thing. With just enough country to put a bit of tradition in the folk pop songs, Carman slides into your affections...
Ellen Burgess, Rave Magazine
Soft, stylish country. If Paul Simon and Joni Mitchell had a child, I think she would sound like Susanna Carman. Following up her 2008 debut Holy, Carman’s latest effort, Circus Girl, is a mixture of a lilting acoustic guitar, violin and smooth, soothing harmonies and is very easy on the ears. Carman sounds so country-girl sweet her tunes would probably fit an episode of Gilmore Girls. She’s found her genre and her style suits it well...The fourth track, 'Out Of Time', does stand out as different, having a harder, deeper bass sound that contrasts well with Carman’s high-pitched vocals. If you are fan of this style, I recommend you give it a listen.
Noel Mengel, Brisbane Courier Mail
When you're feeling overwhelmed by life's complications, you can always find the joy and simplicity in music, which is what Susanna Carman has done with Circus Girl, with songs that show Carman's finger-picking guitar technique and some striking vocal harmonies...
Kerrin Thomas, Newcastle Herald
The second offering from this New Yorker has an organic feel, both lyrically and technically. Minimal post-production leaves the lyrics to tell the story. Each song feels like it's got a point to make, reaching it with an emotion-charged clarity. Carman's lyrics capture a sense of longing, from a woman who has had her fair share of heartbreak. Tracks on this album tell stories of love, loss, renewal, doubt and the need for self-assurance....Certain tracks feel as though they're trying to reach out to someone, while some speak of an independence that only comes through loss. The collection is easy to lose yourself in.
Nada Van Kempen, Rhythms Magazine
The first thing you hear is an acoustic guitar with crisp finger picking and a sweet clear voice. The sound of acoustic folk has a hint of country, with each song except 'Out of Time' sounding out with a dominant acoustic guitar. Circus Girl as an album is full of voice and meaning, and while some of the tracks can blend into each other, it's Susanna Carman's voice that carries it all. Her diction is crystal clear on every song and every word, so there's no mistaking what she's saying.
Susanna Carman's first album, Holy, was inspired by tragedy and personal loss in 2008. Circus Girl is lyrically different and wistfully contemplates life. Susanna has written every song on this album except for 'Oh, Babe It Ain't No Lie' written by Elizabeth Cotten. As a singer-songwriter her songs are definitely her own. A great musician can change your mood and mindset with a few words, and this is what Carman has definitely achieved.
Each track is more relaxing than the one before, but they are all kept short and sweet, with half of the tracks just reaching over three minutes. Her sound is unmistakingly gentle, peaceful and calm, and, just like on the first track, the acoustic finger picking on the guitar keeps that crisp folky feel going.
Originally from New York, Carman has the American folk pushing through the Australian acoustic sound. Her songs can take you to a place of comfortable nostalgia with lyrics like, "I'm gonna trim my sails, Lift my bow, Steer a course close to the wind, Turn my face toward the sun, Pull the warmth in through my skin." But also her words can take you to a place of disheartened thoughts: "I never thought I'd lose, My pockets are so empty I could turn them inside out, Nothing left for me to do, But catch this song for you."
It's the kind of album you have to listen to a few times to really fall in love with it. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but Circus Girl is a lyrically accomplished album on Susanna's behalf.
Lauren Katulka, Sounds Of Oz
After listening to Susanna Carman’s new album Circus Girl several times, I’m thrilled the New Yorker decided to settle here in Australia. She creates folk music that is truly stunning, with touches of Joni Mitchell and Shawn Colvin, along with her own sweet, unique voice.
The album is beautiful in its simplicity. Most tracks only need an acoustic guitar to propel them, and even when a few more instruments are added to the mix they never overpower the tunes. There’s a time and place for a wall of sound, but these songs don’t need the extra embellishment.
With such organic presentation we can really focus on the lyrics and the stories Susanna Carman tells. “Half Of You” may be the most profound song I’ve heard about the love that flows between a woman, her partner, and her new child. The imagery of songs like “Magdalena’s Lover” and the title track is also gorgeous. As someone who gets revved by beautiful lyrics, this album really excited me.
Circus Girl is the kind of album you could easily put on as a dinner party wears down. It has just the right mellow feel, and could so easily slip into the background if you weren’t paying attention. However the more I listen to it the more I appreciate its layers and depth. Susanna Carman has created something truly special here. Look for it in stores on April 2 or preorder your copy from her website.
