'Johnstown' is the debut release from the Canadian based singer/songwriter Suzie Ungerleider; this release has been picking up critical acclaim in the US where she has been likened to Julie Miller and Gillian Welch.
The whole disc is inspired by the devastating floods that hit Pennsylvania in 1889, destroying Johnstown, and laying waste to a thriving industrial community. The 12 tracks chronicle the stories of the people affected by the disaster, detailing their lives and the struggle to cope with the personal and material losses from the flood.
She brings their stories vividly to life, the characters stand out in the narrative lyrics, as a result it's not the happiest of albums, the lyrics although superbly descriptive are often dark and bleak.
Musically, it's stripped down and acoustic alt-country, the comparison to Julie Miller is accurate, strong melodies but with a definite edge. There are some excellent players providing the musical backdrop, with sympathetic production really adding to the atmosphere and overall feel of the disc.
