A thoughtful, carefully calculated listen from the rising New York City songstress Leslie DiNicola, Some Greener Yard follows her last EP Draw Back Your Bow. Much time was spent fleshing out the five tracks that would become this quick listen. An EP that contains as much depth as it does beauty, Yard finds DiNicola traversing country, folk and pop with plenty of lush and organic shadings.

The disc leads off with “Shaky Wire,” where organs complement the dense guitar work and nearly pop-rock template, reminiscent of a younger Natalie Merchant. Ultimately, DiNicola's stunning voice steals the show, as she delivers nothing short of an ebullient performance from beginning to end. Following is “Give Me Away,” which heads off into more pensive areas and brings keys into the very forthright wordplay. “Stay” is a more uplifting track lyrically, and musically is the most playful with pop influences, somewhat of an anomaly on this often melancholic affair. The sort of tune that could draw a bright smile from even the most solemn mood, if there's a mass appeal single on this disc, this is definitely it.

On the latter half of the EP, “Weight” brings themes of loss and grief and the music is so subtly powerful with pianos and acoustic guitars it could reduce many to tears. Similarly, it closes on the also-pensive and slower “It's Alright,” where folk influences shine through amid a confession of loss. These last couple tracks are nothing short of pretty, verging on devastating.

This isn't a disc everyone will appreciate. Those who are interested in music purely as entertainment need not apply. But if you often turn to music when the world seems like it's caving in on you as a means of refuge or distraction, or just to help you mull things over, this extremely emotional and genuine EP will be a great fit. 

Rating: A-

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