“The Heavy Circles” (Dynamite Child)
Who knew recording music with your stepmother could be so fun?
Granted, this is no ordinary family.
Edie Brickell, the sometime New Bohemian and full-time wife of Paul Simon, has joined Simon’s 35-year-old son Harper Simon to form the new duo The Heavy Circles, and with a host of guests, they have created an eclectic and enjoyable self-titled album.
At 41, Brickell is actually a lot closer in age to Harper than she is to her husband, the 66-year-old Paul.
But none of that matters on “The Heavy Circles.” This isn’t a vanity project or some halfhearted home recording set to a backing track.
“The Heavy Circles” is a moody, sometimes haunting, gripping album full of atmospheric songs that are richly textured and well-produced. Kudos go to Harper Simon for handling that task along with Bryce Goggin, who also produced Brickell’s last disc with the New Bohemians.
Brickell again turns in a nuanced and seductive vocals, sharing the songwriting credits with Simon. “Henri” and “Wait and Wait” are standouts, revealing themselves in unexpected ways upon multiple listens.
Grade: B
Genre: multigenre