A while back we were taken by a bedroom demo cut from Watertown’s Abby Johnson. The track, “Deserts,” was a dreamy, droning number that showcased her haunting vocal delivery and suggested impressive things to come in the not-so-distant future. Now, the keyboardist/vocalist is back as Per Aspera, complete with studio assistance from some familiar Boston faces and two additional, fleshed out demos.
Johnson’s moniker comes from the Latin phrase “Per aspera ad astra,” which translates to “Through hardships to the stars.”
The lead track, “Free & Clear,” makes us believe hard times are a thing of the past — it’s is a hypnotic modern rock daydream that wouldn’t be out of place with our recent fave, “Cry No More” by Vaults.
Though originally conceived as a solo project, here Johnson is aided by considerable musical weight around this town: these recordings feature Lindsey Starr on guitars, Mean Creek’s Erik Wormwood on bass, and drummer Marc Cannata of Far From Finished. The three-track recording was produced and mixed by Chris McDonnell and mastered by Nick Zampiello at New Alliance East.
Word is she’s still in the market for a full-time band. In the meantime, preview the demos for “Free And Clear,” “Deserts,” and “Recess” below.
