Abraham - This Old Heart

Abraham

This Old Heart
self-released; 2014

4.3 out of 5 - TOP ALBUM

By Kevin Sterne

Vibrant, nostalgic and emotional with a deceiving simplicity that gives every song crossover potential, Abraham’s This Old Heart EP is much more than a “rebirth” for singer/songwriter Sydney Batters, rather, these seven tracks are a sentimental tour de force. 

Sydney Batters’ sweet, soulful voice echoes brilliant imagery over subtle acoustic guitars, jazzy undertones and folky twangs. She blends sounds from various genres and feelings pulled from the deep crevices of her life to make the music breathe with beauty. And “beautiful” might be the most accurate description of this journey through love and the human connection. 

The entire effect seems so effortless, but nothing short of stunning. Very few acts can grab ahold of your heart in the same way Abraham does. Some compare her live show to Angel Olsen and Fiest, but This Old Heart EP can only parallel with specific moods: the wintry tear-jerker that is Sigur Ros’s ( ) or the loneliness emanating from Daughter’s If You Leave. 

Look no further than the standout “Living in the Fame,” which mixes off-tempo drumming, an acoustic guitar, piano and horn to make one singularly beautiful companion to Batter’s wonderful croons. He sings, "Oh the heat it moves through and through, It burns my eyes and my body too, Oh what do you do when your loves left in vain, Oh here we go, living in the fame, Living in the fame". It has all the potential of a hit and with the complexity and beauty to appeal to listeners desiring more depth. 

There’s little doubt Abraham is an artist to look out for in 2015. Expect big things from Sydney Batter’s camp, and plenty of Lana Del Rey comparisons. Yes, her music does exhibit blockbuster potential, but until she becomes a household name, her current collection of songs work as more than just an impressive debut, but maybe a classic. 

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