Review
'Kassi Valazza Knows Nothing' is a journey through the human experience, painted with the colors of folk, country, and psychedelia. Valazza's unhurried melodies and rich imagery transport us to a place where time seems to stand still, inviting us to explore the depths of our own emotions. The live-to-tape recording with Portland musicians adds an element of raw authenticity, as if we're witnessing the birth of each song in real-time. It's as though Valazza has tapped into the collective unconscious, channeling the spirits of Emmylou Harris and Joni Mitchell while infusing her work with a distinctly modern, Southwestern American flavor.
In tracks like 'Watching Planes Go By' and 'Rapture', Valazza weaves intricate tapestries of love, longing, and the ephemeral nature of human connections. The six-minute psychedelic folk haze of 'Watching Planes Go By' serves as a meditation on the passage of time, while 'Rapture' uses vivid imagery to explore the complexities of long-term relationships. The album's conclusion, a cover of Michael Hurley's 'Wildegeeses', feels like a bittersweet farewell, echoing the themes of seasonal change and heartache that permeate Valazza's own compositions. This intentional and soul-bearing work invites us to lose ourselves in its dreamy world, offering a mirror to our own experiences and emotions. - Silas
