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Mar 26, 2018 Web Exclusive By Michael James Hall

Portlander Haley Heynderickx came to international attention through last year’s wondrous NPR Tiny Desk concert set. With just one EP to her name (2016’s promising Fish Eyes) Hendrickx has built a head of steam prior to the release of her debut proper, the brief, brilliant I Need to Start a Garden, drawing comparisons with the likes of Cat Power, Sharon Van Etten, and Jeff Buckley along the way.

Zak Kimball’s subtle, deft production offers this record a platform on which to shine luminously. At times it appears to be a concept album about gardening—but that would be a pretty reductive way to pigeonhole (however niche that hole may be) such a delectable, delicate, strong record. Shifting from the luscious arpeggio of paranoia-beset “The Bug Collector” (“I must make you the perfect morning…I try my best to prove that nothing’s out to get you”) to the bruised, bold Buckley of “Jo” (“Oh I slept like a baby with you in my arms/Out of harm”) via the prog-piano of “Show You a Body’”(“I am humbled by breaking down”) this is a rich, remarkable record.

Heynderickx’s songwriting is at the fore here, her voice and intricate playing servicing her skill stunningly well. Haunted and haunting, her vocal lines can reach from the ethereal (“Drinking Song”) to the purely ragged and raw (the climax of album highlight “Oom She La La” from which the album takes its name).

This album serves as a treasure trove into which repeated delves are absolutely demanded. (www.haley-heynderickx.com)

Author rating: 7.5/10