Sunday, September 27, 2009

Antje Duvekot
The Near Demise of the High Wire Dancer
(Black Wolf)

The Near Demise of the High Wire Dancer is one of the best records of 2009. It is moody, introspective, dark, exquisitely crafted and brilliantly produced by Richard Shindell. Duvekot plays the tightrope walker on a life's thin wire and wears danger like a wispy carnival gown. When she describes a relationship as having "no safety net when I fall right out of the sky," it's how she sees life in general. "Long Way" is a double-edged song whose geographical journey is mere backdrop for an amble into the emotional unknown. Poetic writing and atmospheric arrangements enhance the tension in songs that blur the line between hopefulness and helpless illusion. With vocals that are a mash of Patty Griffin's tones and Kate Rusby's gentleness, Duvekot crosses the wire. Take a bow, Antje. Antje Duvekot appears at the Iron Horse on Oct. 22. —Rob Weir