A Captivating Tribute: Elizabeth Moen's "For Arthur" EP

Album cover for Elizabeth Moen’s For Arthur

Elizabeth Moen's latest EP, For Arthur, is a heartfelt tribute to the late Arthur Russell, a cult figure in the avant-garde, folk, and electronic music scenes of San Francisco and New York City in the 70s and 80s. Hailing from Vinton, IA, Moen's admiration for Russell runs deep. Her connection to his music led her to create a covers EP that honors his memory while advocating for marginalized communities. Released on July 28, For Arthur showcases Moen's extraordinary talent as she brings her own unique touch to Russell's timeless compositions.

Moen’s ability to channel life's complexities into captivating music is a striking testament to her growth as an artist. Moen's journey as a self-taught guitarist in Iowa City's vibrant artistic scene and touring across the USA, the UK, and the EU culminates in this masterful EP, where she skillfully blends elements of alt-country, contemporary Nashville, and indie-folk soul into a genre-defying exploration of emotions. 

Having discovered Russell's music after moving from Iowa, Elizabeth Moen immediately felt a profound connection to his work. This connection was further intensified when she learned that Russell was also from a small town in Iowa. For Moen, his music became a friend, a companion that resonated with her experiences of feeling isolated and alone. 

The For Arthur EP is a beautiful representation of Russell's eclectic style, with Moen and her band covering five of his songs. Among the tracks are "Nobody Wants a Lonely Heart," featuring Macie Stewart and Sima Cunningham of Finom and Spencer Tweedy. With Stewart, Tweedy, Chet Zenor, and Nick Levine forming the talented band behind this record, Moen's friends Sofia Jensen and Emily Neale lend their captivating voices to the duets, adding depth and emotional resonance to the project.

Moen's rendition of "Nobody Wants A Lonely Heart" is a beautiful start to the EP, setting the tone with her powerful yet nuanced vocals. Her soulful delivery adds an edgy quality to the song, striking the perfect balance between strength and vulnerability. The track is both powerful and tender, drawing listeners into its emotional landscape without overwhelming them. 

The second track, “I Never Get Lonesome,” offers catchy rhythms from the drums, accompanied by a lyrical flow reminiscent of Bob Dylan. Moen's soothing voice carries a bittersweet air, making it a delightful change of pace from the opening track. The song's comforting melodies resonate with the listener, creating an immersive experience that captures the essence of Arthur Russell's music.

 “Words of Love" emerges as a tender and heartfelt track, showcasing Moen's ability to convey vulnerability and sincerity through her voice. The soft piano and toned-down guitar form a gentle backdrop that allows Moen's vocals to shine brightly. Her emotional connection to the lyrics becomes palpable, making this track particularly special and touching. As the percussion joins in, the song gains momentum and depth, ensuring that the listener remains fully engaged throughout. This poignant and beautifully crafted rendition stands as one of the EP's highlights.

“In Love With You For The Last Time,” stands out with its piano taking center stage over the other instruments, lending an ethereal quality to the track that evokes a sense of timelessness. Moen's vocals exude a poignant and haunting quality, akin to Celeste's "Strange." The raw emotions in Moen's voice elevate the song's nostalgic vibe, creating a deeply evocative experience. Moen's vocals carry a heartfelt weight, skillfully conveying the emotions of love and longing.

The EP concludes with a powerful rendition of "I Couldn't Say It To Your Face," a track that evokes chills with its perfectly timed sudden cutoffs of instrumentation. There's a haunting and nostalgic quality to this song, reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac's "Silver Springs." Moen's passionate vocals make it a poignant and mesmerizing finale to the EP.

Beyond honoring Arthur Russell's music, the For Arthur EP also carries a powerful message of support and empathy for marginalized communities. All proceeds from the Bandcamp sales of the EP will be donated to One Iowa, a nonprofit organization working to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ members in the state. Inspired by Arthur's own experiences of feeling isolated and unwelcome in his small town, Moen sees this project as an opportunity to advocate for LGBTQ+ Iowans and bring attention to the ongoing challenges they face.

For Arthur is not just a collection of cover songs; it is an emotional journey that celebrates the life and legacy of Arthur Russell while addressing issues of isolation and acceptance faced by many. Moen's passion for Russell's work and her commitment to supporting marginalized communities shine through in each track. Her decision to donate all Bandcamp proceeds to One Iowa exemplifies her dedication to making a positive impact through her music.

For Arthur is a must-listen for both fans of Arthur Russell and those who appreciate the profound impact of music as a force for change and understanding.