AMG Review of Post to Wire

Johnny Loftus
All Music Guide

Heather Duby's Sub Pop-issued Post to Wire politely ignores the Northwest's heavy rock and quirky indie axis, preferring a moody blend of 4AD-style texture and vocals reminiscent of Surfacing-era Sarah McLachlan. Noted producer, engineer, and general Guy About Town Steve Fisk strikes again here, conjuring a great batch of tracks to support Duby's dewy vocals. "Judith" suggests a remixed Loreena McKennitt, while "You Loved Me" gets beautifully lost in treated percussion, layers of faraway guitar, and Duby's own echoing vocals. It sounds like Lamb covering the Cocteau Twins. Other highlights include the spare and chilly "Falter," the otherworldly childhood reminiscence "Healthy Fear of Monsters," and "For Jeffrey," where Duby's near-choral harmonies are supported by the meeting of warm organ and chattering electronic beats. Ultimately, Post to Wire seems more like an experiment in texture than an album. But there's no denying Duby's talent as a vocalist, or the record's worth as a mood piece.