‘See You Around’ by I’m With Her (Album)

I’m With Her: dazzling harmonies and a mastery of vocal phrasing. Pic: Lindsey Byrnes

These folk compositions are brought to life by an immensely talented triumvirate whose harmonies are up there with the best

I’m With Her are the trio of Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz and Aoife O’Donovan, who having crossed paths for years, came together for an impromptu performance at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival during the summer of 2014. That their official debut is only now being released hints at their many other commitments. If See You Around is anything to go by, they’re going to need to set more time aside for this project.

The title track sets the tone for what is to follow: dazzling harmonies and a mastery of vocal phrasing. Game To Lose ups the ante by showcasing a musical proficiency to match their voices. You can tell that the band cut most of the album live; it has a genuine sense of a captured moment to it. Particular highlights are the gently beautiful Wild One and the squelchy I-89.

The album closes with its only non-original composition: the unreleased Gillian Welch track Hundred Miles – one last chance for their voices to melt together. Whether with their vocals or their instrumental interplay, it’s clear that this dynamic allows each of the band’s members to thrive and bring out the best in each other. This is a debut to cherish.

Verdict: Masters at work

Duncan Haskell

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