The Wake

“Everybody wants to be a genius / You’re not the only one / With all things that you might do,” sings Inara George. She’s right: Everybody does want to be a genius. And in that respect, her new CD is a success; I appreciate that she doesn’t try too hard to be fascinating or mysterious. All Rise is all-at-once poppy, ambient, melancholy and clever. Songs like “Genius” and “Good to Me” have a bouncy, carefree melody, with underlying deeper content. George’s vocals reach, but not in an uncomfortable way, and the keyboard is complex without being reminiscent of a techno song.

The album is produced by Michael Andrews, who composed the score for the film Donnie Darko. His ethereal, off-color sensibility transforms the album from just another female singing about sorrow, to a more mature and musically introspective piece of work. George is accompanied by keyboardist Greg Kurstin of Beck and Ben Harper, and former Cake drummer Pete McNeal. This impressive lineup helps give her solo debut a more experienced tone, one that garners respect. Her confidence allows the listener to stop worrying and enjoy the album. All Rise wins the Unexpected Award for the fall. Thank you, Inara George, for managing to surprise me.

Inara George will be touring this fall with Idlewild, for whom she sings backup. Her solo act opens for the band at First Avenue on September 23rd.