Donna Allen - Atom-ic Citizen of the Dying Empire

Chronophage head honcho Donna Allen re-emerges with a solo collection of compact bedroom emo-folk-pop that offers further evidence of her distinctly heartfelt songwriting. Relocated from Austin to New York to record at Artifact Audio in Queens, there's certainly an East Village anti-folk feel to these twelve tracks, albeit entirely free of any associated snark or irony. Perhaps it's the modest framing that does it, often little more than guitar, some synth, shuffling drums and an emotive songbird voice that won't quit, the latter of which adds an unavoidably endearing quality to the overall presentation. Elsewhere, there's shades of early Magnetic Fields, Lou Barlow or Linda Smith in the naturalistic way these songs seem to pour out of Allen, gently determined confessionals unafraid to speak their truth or show their vulnerability. What's also notable is how prolific Allen appears to be - Atom-ic Citizen of the Dying Empire quickly follows last year's wonderful Melon Kolly demos tape (FYI: now in stock also), not to mention the number of thrilling Chronophage records that pre-date both, which when taken together create the impression of a clear artistic voice. Allen is an undeniable songwriter of course, but it's the sense of a tender heart communicator that lingers on longest and strongest.  
 
FFO: East River Pipe, Magnetic Fields, Alex G, Linda Smith, Lou Barlow