If you were at the Church of Neil on Saturday night, you saw the musical range of local singer-songwriter Anastacia, who donned a floppy Neil Young-esque hat and ripped through some amazing covers, including a roaring version of "Old Man."
That was impressive, but it's not exactly what you'll hear on her new EP, Where the Road Meets the Sky, a six-song collection that showcases her silky voice and poppy songwriting chops. The album kicks off with "Where the Angels Fly," which features the sort of ethereal and cosmic lyrics and charging chord progressions we've come to expect from this chanteuse.
With the skilled chops of her backing band creating a foundation, Anastacia lays out an album that builds on the gypsy folk sounds of 2009's Grains of Sand. We hear this exotic sound most on "Forever Wife," an almost eerie song that features tender yet sultry vocals, laying down a poetic and mysterious storyline. She does rein in the gypsy vibe for cuts like "Golden Hair," which wraps up the EP with a delicately built blend of soaring melodies that gives us a listen to this stalwart of the local scene at her best. - Mike Bookey
Anastacia CD Release Party
7pm Saturday, November 19. Harmony House Concerts, 17505 Kent Rd, Sisters. $15.