Caitlin Johnson
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Yvel
Who? After issuing a handful of EPs and two albumsunder the Levy moniker, Vermont native and longtime Brooklynite JamesLevy goes it alone for Yvel (Levy spelled backwards). On hisforthcoming self-titled debut, which arrives Feb. 12 via One LittleIndian, the 27-year-old singer/songwriter offers soft vocals andsoothing acoustic guitar with sample string arrangements. What's the Deal? Nearly every tune on Yvelwas penned seven years ago, and Yvel describes the brooding popcollection as lyrical ditties sans drums. "They're like bedroom songsthat you sing to your girlfriend when everyone else is trying tosleep," Yvel explains. From the lilting monotone dreamscape "PaintedRed" to the sunny love ballad "Burn Like Fire," Yvel's touchingdelivery breaks and soothes a few bruised hearts à la Morrisseyand Luna's Dean Wareham.
