Northeast Perfomer Magazine
Album Review of "Interim"
By Reviewer Val Barbaro

If voices were stringed instruments, Rachel McCartney's low, reverberating alto would surely be a cello. Its painterly texture possesses a subtle, unrehearsed sexuality, which immediately draws listeners to her, convincing them to hear her tale. Part of this attractiveness stems from her striking ability to summon feelings. Her simple, universally themed lyrics appeal to listeners' intellect while her delivery - fluctuating from sultry to sorrowful with one easy note shift - plays upon the emotions.

McCartney's singing urges empathy; even if the listener hasn't been there, he or she has been there once done listening to the studio-free recordings on interim. It is nearly impossible not to be affected by this conjurer of moods.

Perhaps McCartney appeals to so many because she incorporates so many disciplines on interim. The base is folk, but strains of blues (evident in the dramatic tonal swings and the curved guitar melodies) accent tracks such as “God Made You Right.” The plucky banjo used on some tracks adds an element of bluegrass.

At times, her voice even assumes an almost gospel feel, full and corporeal. If there is a flaw to McCartney's richly dense vocals on this album, it's that she doesn't trust their ability to move the listener with their emotion. Instead, she sometimes slides into relying on the compulsion of their body. At times, they appear forced rather than flowing. This lyrics-yelled-rather-than-sung quality is slight throughout most of the album, but it comes across strongly on “Pretty Girl” and “Will I.” “Pour Me Down the River” best displays apt usage of vocal power. This song, which is perhaps the most successful at evoking emotion, is more subdued with the use of volume. Here, McCartney exercises more control and lets the feelings speak for themselves.

Lyrics on this track are neutral, but her way of portraying them transforms them into something innately woeful. Listeners can't help but let the current pull them down the river with McCartney. Not always properly using persuasive powers of volume correctly suggests talent rather than training.