When We Were Small
Rosie Thomas's voice is strong, with a folky quiver and, when not backed by a steady, resourceful band, she accompanies herself on acoustic guitar and a piano so deep and resonant it recalls the purposefully homespun work ofVictoria Williams. Yet despite its nostalgic bent,When We Were Smallis far from twee. "Farewell" opens with the family happily chatting back in 1980, chirpy little Rosie's voice ringing out, then slides into a pained lament about her parents' eventual divorce. "Wedding Day" sees Rosie seeking a life as joyful as the first day of a marriage turned sour. "I'm gonna be carefree," she ends, "and let nothing pass me by/ Never ever again." "I Run" comes across like a sorrowful yet angryTori Amos. Heavily marked by fear of abandonment, yet romantic and hopeful still, this is an unexpectedly beautiful piece.--Dominic Wills