Circles Of Swallows

Philadelphia singer/songwriter Lacy James returns to recording, after years spent following a passion for dance, with a new album Circles of Swallows that furthers the eclectic approach of her debut release Lovefeast while also ranging into new territory. The music on Circles of Swallows has been influenced by Lacy's work as a dancer and choreographer and by her experiences traveling the world, manifesting musically in various multicultural influences. 'William on the Tower' features flautist Seamus Egan, from the acclaimed Irish-American band Solas, adding a heartfelt Celtic energy. On the first single from the album, 'Osmosis Song', James' voice floats ambiently along with serene drumbeats and dreamy, ringing guitar licks. On the song 'Icarus' Lacy demonstrates her prowess for vivid imagery and spiritual connections with lyrics like 'I remember the wax and feathers/melting slowly one by one/shining bright as they were floating/into the sun'. The bittersweet title track 'Circles of Swallows' that is the album's closer would almost be straightforward country or folk, but James' distinctive vocals and subtle electronics take the song out of any one particular genre. Recorded and mixed at noted Philadelphia workshop Turtle Studios, the album was greatly influenced by Lacy's collaboration with producer Jeff Hiatt who also plays bass or double bass on five of the songs. Lacy's music has been compared to that of Tori Amos, Kate Bush and Siouxsie and the Banshees but the cultural flair of Circles of Swallows makes it entirely distinct. *** Press for Circles of Swallows: 'eclectic, electro-tinged earth-child folk fantasias.... James sets bold, mystical lyrics to clattering bits of percussion and off-kilter keyboard programming, turning coffeehouse-chanteuse tropes inside out.' M Music and Musicians magazine 'Lacy James explores that world between the rhythmic and ethereal. Her sound scape is dreamy and fresh. Circles of Swallows contains songs that will appeal to fans of Shawn Colvin, Tori Amos and Sarah McLachlan. The chords in Angels Bells sound like they were made in heaven.... [L]istening to Circles of Swallows is like taking a swim in a pond of swirling ambient, mesmerizing melodies and eclectic instruments.' Baxter Labatos -- Sphere Music.