Review: Stephanie Croff – The Dream Is Gone

Stephanie Croff
The Dream Is Gone

Self-Released
Street: 06.19
Stephanie Croff = Loreena McKennitt + Patty Griffin

What a pleasant surprise! Former Utahn and prior Death By Salt contributor Croff’s new EP may be short (clocking in at just around 15 minutes), but what it lacks in length, it makes up for with a refreshing earnestness. Though the three tracks were composed by Croff, she allows a group of talented session players with impressive credentials (Dave Palmer on synths has worked with Fiona Apple and Fleetwood Mac, and drummer Scott Seiver with Aimee Mann and Sia) to play them, while her clear and slightly world-weary voice highlights her reflective lyrics. “Only Human” is a rumination of sorts about accepting one’s limitations and faults. “Stay” and the especially nice title track are blessed with guitarist/producer Jesse Siebenberg’s skill at framing the music delicately and intriguingly around Croff’s confessional vocal performance. Presently playing dates around the California coastline, Croff isn’t particularly prolific, but she’s one to watch. 
–Dean O Hillis