Jesse Sykes will not be rushed. On her first album in 14 years (and fifth overall), the Seattle explorer takes a leisurely excursion to the folkier side of psychedelia without pandering to ‘60s nostalgia, raising cosmic questions yet never presuming to provide answers. A beautiful exercise in haunted contemplation, Forever, I’ve Been Being Born soothes the spirit and heightens the senses at once.
The Sweet Hereafter denotes Sykes’ 25-year creative partnership with Phil Wandscher; the two co-wrote all the songs on the album and assisted Robb Davidson on production. Throughout Forever, I’ve Been Being Born, Sykes’ high, powerful voice engages in a conversation with Wandscher’s flexible electric guitar, which ranges from a twinkly sparkle to garage fuzziness. There’s an easy flow to their back and forth that feels like the product of a single sensibility.
