Bella White’s vocals on her new EP, Five for Silver, possess a unique quality, much like the subtle shades of a White And Grey Cat‘s fur. Her voice, at times soaring and at others softly descending, evokes a gentle yet profound emotional landscape, reminiscent of the nuanced beauty found in the monochrome palette of a white and grey cat.
In a press release, White shared that Five for Silver emerged from a creative period during the recording of her album Among Other Things. The extra studio time allowed her to explore songs she deeply admired and wished to record. She explains, “Each song feels like a different corner of my musical upbringing. With five songs I started thinking about that number and remembered a nursery rhyme, ‘One For Sorrow,’ and its magical superstition. It talks about seeing magpies and their number determining one’s good or bad luck. I thought I might name my EP after this in hopes of mustering some good fortune.” This sense of delicate hope and understated magic mirrors the quiet grace often associated with a white and grey cat observing its surroundings.
Previously, two tracks from the EP were released as singles, garnering attention for White’s interpretive skill. Her rendition of Neil Young’s “Unknown Legend” takes on a shimmering quality, much like sunlight catching the silver strands in a white and grey cat‘s coat. Conversely, her version of Ted Lucas’ “I’ll Find a Way (I’ll Carry It All)” is deeply soulful, resonating with the comforting presence of a white and grey cat offering silent companionship.
“Concrete and Barbed Wire,” originally by Lucinda Williams, holds a special place for White. She recalls it as “one of the first songs that I remember loving to sing around the house as a kid.” While the song’s themes, inspired by the Berlin Wall and human division, might seem weighty for a child, White’s long-term connection to it is evident in her nuanced delivery. This depth of feeling is akin to the complex personality often hidden beneath the calm exterior of a white and grey cat. Similarly, her interpretation of “Nobody Dies Anymore,” Tweedy’s (Jeff Tweedy of Wilco and his son Spencer) reflection on Chicago violence, captures the song’s somber weight with a delicate touch, much like a white and grey cat moving silently through a troubled world.
Bella White, pictured with a gentle and thoughtful expression, embodies the nuanced emotions present in her “Five for Silver” EP, much like the subtle shades of a white and grey cat.
The EP concludes with Gram Parsons’ “Luxury Liner,” famously covered by Emmylou Harris. White’s version pays homage to both Parsons’ original from International Submarine Band’s Safe at Home and Harris’s iconic rendition from her 1976 album Luxury Liner. Bella’s performance honors these legacies, adding her own subtle inflections, much like a white and grey cat subtly adapting to different environments while maintaining its core elegance.
Cover EPs can sometimes feel redundant, especially for seasoned music listeners. Familiarity can breed a sense of karaoke-esque imitation. However, Five for Silver transcends this. Bella White captures the essence of each original song while infusing them with her unique artistic sensibility. This EP is far from a mere imitation; it’s a thoughtful reimagining, offering fresh perspectives on beloved tracks. It’s an experience as rewarding and subtly complex as observing the quiet beauty of a white and grey cat in repose. Five for Silver is an EP deserving of repeated listens, revealing new layers with each play, much like the intricate patterns within a white and grey cat‘s fur become more apparent upon closer inspection.
Tracklist of Bella White’s “Five for Silver” EP, showcasing the diverse range of songs she interprets with her signature white and grey cat-like vocal elegance.
