We’ve seen Chicago musician Anna Holmquist take on many forms over the years. From stripped down solo performances in Night & Gale, to the country-tinged Cold Country, and of course the off-the-wall art-rock of The Curls. Anna is back with a new EP from their latest project Ester—an ethereal full band ensemble that never ceases to take us to another place.
Two of the three songs premiering today are full-band versions of tracks from Ester’s debut album, Curtains, while the third is an older solo recording. “Every Bone” & “Darling” (the two full-band recordings) take on a whole new life on Why Not. While we adored the stripped down sound of Curtains these new renditions bring a sense of immediacy to the songs and a lushness that mimics the band’s live show beautifully. Anna delivers an incredible vocal performance across these three songs but “Every Bone” is a the true standout and an instant favorite of ours.
The standalone solo track on the EP, “Sister Brother”, is an intimate and heartfelt performance that calls to mind Anna’s early work under the Night & Gale moniker. Listen to the full EP below and fall in love with Ester all over again.
The band is wrapping up a full length record called Turn Around and will be hitting the road on a Midwest tour this September. Until then, catch them around Chicago and get a taste of their live show by streaming this new EP on repeat!