Sarah Jarosz - Undercurrent

The Guardian 80

(Sugar Hill)

Being a prodigy means growing up in public, and over three previous albums this young Texan’s songs have sometimes been outshone by her multi-instrumental skills. Graduated from the New England Conservatory and relocated to New York, the 25-year-old brings a touch of maturity to Undercurrent, helped by an impeccable backing crew and co-writes with the likes of Aoife O’Donovan and the Milk Carton Kids’ Joey Ryan. The opener, Early Morning Light, is all her own, however; solo and bereft. Standout House of Mercy has a touch of Gillian Welch’s bluegrass severity. Lost Dog is a banjo-driven snipe at a lover, while Comin’ Undone hits an upbeat note. Spaciously produced, it’s a classy piece of modern Americana.