Anna Dagmar Rolls on with Let the Waves

Apr 08

Anna Dagmar has an unique voice for pop music. The indie singer-songwriter stylistic vocals definitely set her apart from what you are hearing on the radio these days. But with the rising popularity of Regina Spektor and Amanda Palmer (the former’s staccato is from another planet; the latter has the prettiest cavernous tone you ever did hear), there is definitely a place in the mainstream for Dagmar.

On her 2009 release Let the Waves Come in Threes, Dagmar flirts with a pop sound but there isn’t a full commitment. The title track opens the album with a satisfying burst and there are sprinkled moments of wholly embraceable pop music throughout the disc. She’s Got It in Her Soul is radio ready. The track simmers like a pot of water about to boil, enhanced by a sizzling guitar interlude. On the uplifting Smile for Free, Dagmar pounds the piano with a joyous abandon.

Though much of the album has more of a folk music feel to it, that’s not to suggest that any focus away from a pop soundscape isn’t deliberate. If nothing else, there is a definite sense that the musical direction on the album is carefully navigated. You can hear the influences of Joni Mitchell on tracks like Brick by Brick and a graceful jazzy elegance on We’re All Right Now. The best of the bunch, the track Amazed flirts with pop and folk leanings, and really highlights that voice.

Let the Waves Come in Threes is as much a story as it is a collection of songs, adding a complex layer underneath the music. This is a story of a girl taking an engrossing journey to search for herself (the last track leaves the conclusion ambiguous, but isn’t that just like life?)

Dagmar continues to sporadically tour behind Let the Waves. She has upcoming gigs spread out over April, May and June including a May 6 show at Banjo Jim’s in New York City. The live track So I Chased the Setting Sun surfaced in February as a free download. You can follow her on Twitter and visit her website.

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