When Emily Jane White released her debut Dark Undercoat in 2007 her somber tone set the mood for each menacing track. Still solemn, White’s sophomore release Victorian America (Milan), out April 27, is more orchestrated, haunting folk.

“I don't write happy music," said White recently. "I'm drawn to writing sad songs. Reflective, contemplative songs. I truly believe that that's my job. It's not my job to create happy music. I'm okay with that.”

On America, everything from spine-tingling opener "Never Die" to the more schizophrenic state of "Stairs," White enchants like a female Nick Cave or Drake prancing on every emotion, note in sultry, Americana style. Life, death and political affairs are all topical on America, which is evident in the title song's references to Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans. Death rears it's melodious head on more than one track, incuding the ethereal ringing of first single “Liza” to seven-minute opus “The Ravens." White has the same bite as Neko Case in more tremulous "Red Serpent" or "Red Dress,"  and however somber, in the end, America is a mesmerizing piece of songwriting. NY Rock Music Examiner