Has it really been seven years since the last Stef Chura record? The Michigan musician's last record earned a positive review here. And this new one, Dancing Alone on the Concrete is just as affecting.
Numbers like "Wishin'" and the propulsive "Babydoll" have sweet hooks, with Chura's winning vocals selling this material, while "Lovesick" is a more stark and dramatic example of Stef's talents. There's a nice Velvet Underground-inspired sway to "Leadweight", and the tune has the sort of easy charms that make Chura's music easy to enjoy.
There are too many singer-songwriters in this world, with each intent on laying bare their soul on record. Thankfully, Stef Chura isn't one of those. This new record is as light as air for the most part. And Stef Chura's vocals anchor the indie here in fine fashion. Fans of acts as disparate as Jenny Lewis, Victoria Williams, and Juliana Hatfield will find things to like here.
Dancing Alone on the Concrete by Stef Chura is out this week on Saddle Creek.
[Photo: Georgia Mitropoulos]