New Buffalo

Somewhere, Anywhere (Arts & Crafts)

By Anna Breshears
Published: September 4th, 2007 | 11:22am

Some artists grab you by the ears with instant hooks that refuse to be ignored, but New Buffalo prefers the soft sell. Somewhere, Anywhere coaxes the listener to mindfully explore its corners and revel in folky, organic offerings.

New Buffalo, aka Melbourne singer-songwriter Sally Seltmann, set up her studio in a small, seaside town in Australia to write her second long player using a piano that’s been in her family for a century. Somewhere’s solitary, introspective vibe and melodramatic vocals never devolve into schmaltz because Seltmann wisely adds lighter numbers to provide temporary respite from its moodier ones. Opener “Cheer Me Up, Thank You” is a delightful blend of gentle piano and guitar that rises and falls hypnotically with swirls of vocals before giving way to the dramatic “It’s True,” a song about preferring the haven of one’s memories over the grimness of daily life. While an otherwordly Theremin flutters in the background, Seltmann sings “You are / You are / You are / you are” and “It’s true / It’s true / It’s true / It’s true” over and over as if uttering this mantra will help her come to terms with stark reality.

“You’ve Gone My Friend” is one of the most enchanting numbers on Somewhere: its effortless, pop melody and vocal double-track is reminiscent of twee goddess Rose Melberg’s solo material. Similarly, the jazzy clarinet and show-tune chorus on “It’s Got To Be Jean” reveal Seltmann’s playful side. Still, rich tunes like “Emotional Champ” with its cascading piano notes and plaintive lyrics seem to be her calling. Whether exploring melodies that are lush or plucky, New Buffalo proves herself an engaging and thoughtful artist on Somewhere, Anywhere.