Vents Magazine Album Review
Daphne Parker Powell Releases “The Starter Wife”
RJ Frometa October 21, 2022 CD Reviews
Daphne Parker Powell’s latest release, The Starter Wife (Pleasure Loves Company) wouldn’t be out of place alongside names like Tori Amos or Paula Cole. The difference here is that Daphne is a little more pissed off than those girls usually were. Her emotional honesty and self-reflection/evaluation make The Starter Wife an engaging, but restrained experience. You don’t get the impression that she has a particularly quiet spirit, but her manner of dealing with a breakup is certainly more inward. In short, The Starter Wife won’t be played at many parties, but will pair well with a bottle of wine at 11 pm.
“Little Prince,” starts things off and with the strategically placed violins it sets a tone of melancholy. Daphne doesn’t endlessly wallow in despair throughout the record, as it becomes clear she’s telling a story. This is of course followed up by the title track, that has a gentle sense of urgency, and a low-key epic feel. With Mazzy Star inspired guitar work, this one has big 90s vibes. You check your watch/and ask the time/and then pour another glass of what gets you by.
“Enough To Kill” is essentially more of the same in the way of “Little Prince,” but Daphne elaborates even further. There’s an evocative bit in which Daphne references having “you back under my fingernails”. Her delivery of the line is both sensuous and terrifying. “Something Like Heartache,” takes things into a bit of a Country/Western direction. It becomes more Daphne as it progresses, but she could certainly consider exploring this style more in the future. I wish I could speak openly/without fear of driving you off.
Leave it to me to imprison myself with my freedom/leave it to me to drag my demons kicking and screaming/to the gates of heaven/and expect to be let in. “Sentimental Pessimism,” features some of Daphne’s most unforgettable lyrical work, which you’ve probably realized is saying something. What’s important to note about this album, is Daphne’s almost masochistic effort to accept responsibility. She seems to blame herself for this breakup perhaps more than anyone else. It’s a fascinating look into a wounded woman’s psyche, who is entirely lucid of her addiction to overthinking.
“Clear Blue,” features a nice melody, but in all honesty, suffers from having a tough act to follow. While I wouldn’t go so far as to call it lighter fare, “Carry My Cage” is a bit less embittered than the songs that come before it. Daphne discusses the weight of her baggage, and her self-awareness of such. This is the point in the record where it almost seems as though Daphne begins to reach a place of forgiveness. She struggles with acceptance to this point, but begins to shift perspective a bit.
While The Starter Wife is a heavy listen, it’s Daphne Powell who carries the majority of the weight. This record would have never been written had it not been for a single and unplanned event. It’s amazing to think that Daphne’s artistic direction and destiny could have been much different. Yet, here we are, and it must be said, she’s handling it relatively well. The Starter Wife is now available for streaming.
Jennifer Munoz
