Emm Gryner - Science Fair

 Excellent Sophomore set from Emm
This is Canadian singer Emm Gryner's second album of all-original material, and the first one that she released following her release from the Mercury label (and subsequent return to her own Dead Daisy Records). She recorded this almost entirely in a rented cottage, and she apparently had so little money to make the album that the liner notes are in black and white. Make no mistake about it though...this is a very very good album.

As is often the case, it's the albums that don't grab you right away that end up among your favorites, and "Science Fair" definitely falls into this category. I was already familiar with the very catchy "Asian Blue" and "Public" albums, and was a little disappointed at first when I picked this one up at a local HMV and discovered the music to be so spartan. On many of the tracks, it's just Emm and a piano (or guitar), with very little production being added to the mix. This turns out to be one of the true strengths of the album, and with repeated listens this has become one of my favorite Emm CD's, and really encompasses some of her finest work.

I'll include a song list, as Amazon hasn't seen fit to do so:

1. Serenade
2. Stereochrome
3. Southern Dreamer
4. Julia
5. Revenge
6. Good Riddance
7. Stardeep
8. Boy Races
9. You Do Something to Me
10. Disco Lights
11. Closure

The album is quite strong top to bottom, but if I had to pick some favorites I'd go with 'Stereochrome' as my #1, but 'Disco Lights', 'Serenade', and 'Southern Dreamer', are also excellent. For softer songs, 'Julia' is probably the most recognizable, and I developed a much greater appreciation for 'Boy Races' after hearing Emm sing it live. It was breathtaking, and I can't listen to it the same ever since.

Fans of Emm probably already know and own this album, but any enthusiasts of female singer/songwriters should check her out, as they will likely be pleasantly surprised. On top of that, you get to support an independent artist that does things her own way (as opposed to our beloved industry zombies), and not to mention that you'll look pretty smart to your friends when you play them great music that they've never heard of. April 8, 2006

 Solid Effort!
Much more of a stripped down album than Public, much more raw, less of a pop feel, but very solid nonetheless. Definitely worth a listen. Emm is a hidden gem in Canadian music, give her a listen! December 13, 2003

 A Science Fair for the Ears
Emm Gryner never disappoints on any of her albums and this one is no exception. She combines the melodious sounds of Sarah McLachlan, Dido, Enya, and Tori Amos, all while adding her own signature sound, making it truly her own. She is multi-talented, writing her own music and lyrics, while providing vocals and playing instruments. If you haven't heard of Emm Gryner before, you are missing out on "discovering" a gem! Below is my personal rating for each song on this album:

1) Serenade (5/5) - I absolutely love the acoustic guitar and how flawlessly Emm's vocals are with it. This song is very mellow and relaxing.

2) Stereochrome (5/5) - Emm's voice is strong on this song with an equally strong beat. When you listen to this song, you can't sit still...It makes you want to sway with the music!

3) Southern Dreamer (4/5) - While the beginning "Ahhhh-ahh ahhh-ahhh" is a tad annoying, the rest of the song makes up for it. There is a catchy mellow beat and a terrific tune. This mood of this song reminds me of lying on the dock at a cottage in the summertime.

4) Julia (5/5) - Beautiful piano playing by Emm (as usual) and this song is airy with thoughtful lyrics. It's one of my favourites on this album. There are so many interpretations of this song and that's also why I love it.

5) Revenge (4/5) - The beat in the background and the delicate piano pieces are catchy and Emm Gryner sings with so much emotion.

6) Good Riddance (5/5) - This could've easily been a hit on the radio. It has a very catchy beat and incredible lyrics. You'll find yourself singing along with this one. Emm has a knack of choosing exactly the right words to use to make the song flow perfectly. If you listen to one song on this album, I recommend you start off with this. It really showcases everything great about Emm.

7) Stardeep (5/5) - This is one of my favourite songs on her album. The acoustic guitar is beautiful and the message behind the lyrics are deep. This is the perfect song to fall asleep to (in a good way), in that it is VERY soothing. Emm's voice is very smooth and the song is just really romantic!

8) Boy Races (3/5) - Starts out very quiet and simple, but gradually picks up a little, while keeping that mellow feel. Emm's voice is very sensual on this track.

9) You Do Something to Me (5/5) - Another delicate song. It starts out subtle and cautious with whisper-like qualities, but as the emotion builds throughout the song, the volume increases and the vocals become angsty and powerful. This song provokes thought and that's another reason why I love all of Emm's songs. There are always messages deeper than the surface, and sometimes is so abstract that different people can get different messages from her lyrics.

10) Disco Lights (4/5) - This song is edgier than the other ones on this album. It has a strong beat throughout and the overall sound is louder and more in-your-face than the other songs.

11) Closure (5/5) - This is one of my favourite songs on this album. Emm's voice is crystal clear and fairy-like. The piano really compliments her singing and the entire soft atmosphere the song creates. Probably my only complaint about this song is that it is quite short compared to the others, but perhaps it is fitting, since it really does provide a beautiful closure to this album.

Emm Gryner is a talented Canadian and I cannot wait for future albums! She may not be as popular as some other pop icons, but I truly think she deserves continued success. For an artist who isn't signed to a major record company, she is doing absolutely phenomenal on her own! So support her, listen to her music, and buy this CD! You won't regret it at all! It's music with substance. December 4, 2003

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