Amy Jay's Mnemonics

Amy Jay's Mnemonics

Bruce Von Stiers

Three years ago, I reviewed a terrific alt folk album, Awake Sleeper. It was from New York based singer/songwriter Amy Jay. At that time, Amy had already garnered critical acclaim for her music and a solid fan base. The album featured songs that reflected many of Amy's life experiences.

Fast forward to this year. Amy has again taken life experiences and put forth songs of self-reflection. The result is an album titled Mnemonics.

The songs on the album come across a bit like mantras of personal growth and leaving the baggage of the past behind.

Amy teamed up with Jon Seale to produce the album. She also worked with him on the album I mentioned, Awake Sleeper. The album was recorded at Jon's studio, Mason Jar Music. The album has ten songs and a play time of thirty-six minutes.

Sam Skinner was on guitar. He has worked with artists such as Fenne Lily. Jason Burger, who has been a drummer for Big Thief, played the drums on this album. Margaux Bouchegnies, who is noted for her work with Katy Kirby, was on bass. Jeremy McDonald is noted for playing with Louis Cato. He played on two songs on this album. Jordan Rose played drums on two songs. He has played with Cory Wong, Theo Katzman and Louis Cato. Andrew Freedman played piano and synth on two songs. He has performed with Michael Mayo and Ryan Beatty. Amy did all of the lead vocals, with Jon Seale providing additional vocals.

How The Mind Can Be A Trap is a song about how she needs to let off the gas, honor her choices, be brave and know that she will be okay. That she needs to stop trying to prove herself. It is a melodic tune with a heartfelt message.

Margins is a toe-tapping song about facing fears and not running away from them. The vocals are great, with fluid harmonizing parts of the song.

The Critic is a song of interreflection when you can't trust yourself to make the right choices or have the right thoughts. The vocals are melodic, and the music is terrific.

Back To What's Natural is a mild rock toned anthem, with a toe-tapping beat.

A love that is slipping away is what I understood from the song, Can't Go Back. The theme is that there is always change and more often than not, those changes become permanent.

Excuse Me is another toe-tapping tune with interesting synth music.

Floral Comfort is a slow and melodic. She won't be alone anymore, but at what cost?

The Little Things are the things that hurt the most sometimes. But sometimes that what is different can also be beautiful. This song has a kind of rock ballad tone to it.

Move On has sort of haunting vocals. Will you be able to move on, or get stuck in the memories of the past?

Compassion is the final song on the album. It is a beautiful, soft and gentle song, with an almost otherworldly chorus.

The press release for Mnemonics asks these two questions: “How do you love yourself when you don't feel likeable?” and “How do you face pieces of your hidden self courageously?” These questions are answered through the lyrics in the songs on the album, which are full of vulnerability and self-reflection.

Mnemonics is a great album, with fantastic vocals, terrific music and thought provoking lyrics.

Mnemonics is now available through most major streaming platforms and music retailers.

Amy's website can be found at https://www.amyjaymusic.com/

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