Album Review: The Staves - 'All Now'
The Staves return with formidable fifth studio album All Now.
Their last record Good Woman was a hard one to beat, but they just may have done it on All Now.
Ever since the release of their debut Dead & Born & Grown in 2012, (a record produced by music icon Glyn Johns) The Staves have proved themselves to be one of the most successful, exciting bands on the folk scene today. They have worked with Justin Vernon, yMusic, and many more exciting names.
In November 2023, they announced All Now, and stated that their sister Emily would be stepping back to focus on motherhood. I must admit that after hearing this, I was apprehensive to see how this would affect their sound, and music in general, as the loss of one voice seemed significant. However, I had no need to worry. All Now is a stunning, sprawling record that draws inspiration from the golden period of music from the 70s, with the perfect mix of modern day.
Kicking things off with the title track, All Now is a tour-de-force of an opener. It’s filled with insistent synths, fantastic guitar, building to an epic crescendo. “I can act like I’m fine/I can put it in writing” Camilla and Jess sing. It’s an exciting, exhilarating track, but also wonderfully written and reflective. “Don’t be angry at the kids, had easier than me/Bitterness is only fine if nobody can see” they inform.
Another single is next; I Don’t Say It, But I Feel It, which is a gorgeous song with stunning instrumentation and great drums. It’s a track about love, almost an inner monologue of thoughts and feelings. “You got the magic, I think I missed it/Homesick for a place that never existed” they harmonise during the chorus. “My poolside companion, golden medallion/I want to be just like you when I grow up” is a line that I find particularly arresting.
The next song thematically contrasts its predecessor but is equally striking. “Make a decision/Act like you mean it” they open Make A Decision. It’s urgent, the song itself like a warning to whoever they’re singing to. Camilla and Jess’ voices are light, but firm, and you can’t help but hang on every word.
Speaking on the meaning behind the record, they said: “It’s a stream of consciousness about frustration and feeling overwhelmed with modernity. Kind of a rejection of the performative way we have to express ourselves now in order for it deemed to be valid.”
All Now does just that, then. The next track, The Echo is a personal favourite of mine. Gentle acoustic guitar opens the song, and the sisters’ harmonies are nothing short of dazzling. “And I wait to find out/How I’m gonna sleep without you” they ponder. Swooping electric guitar can be heard in the background, reminiscent of something Chris Isaak would produce, but it elevates the song. “It’ll all be better in the morning light/They don’t know/The Echo” which speaks to that irritating thing that people do when they tell you everything will look better in the morning.
After School is a track that caught me off guard in the best possible way, taking the listener on a real journey. It starts out big and beautiful, strong ABBA vibes in the production. “No one gets me like you/You’re my hero/I’ll always come to your show” they sing over keys, fuzzy guitars, tambourines. It’s a wall of sound, and a delightful to listen to.
The Staves have truly excelled themselves on this record, All Now is undoubtably a highlight in their career.
Words by Lucy Skeet
