Amy LaVere is a singer/songwriter who can certainly craft a catchy melody or devise a memorable hook with the best of them. But few can encapsulate inner feelings and sincere emotion with such well-tailored brevity and wit. Runaway Diary is a concept inspired by her own experiences with running away from home as an adolescent. Related issues involving one’s sense of belonging, sibling rivalry and the journey of self-discovery also factor into the mix. Dickinson’s production is effectively sparse and puts the spotlight on LaVere’s amazingly chameleonic and evocative voice. – Eric A. Harabadian
Archer Records/Thirty Tigers • Producer: Luther Dickinson • Total Score: 8/10
