Ani DiFranco – Allergic to Water

This is Me, Sincerely

A quintessential feminist icon of the music world and beyond, Ani DiFranco is no stranger to records showcasing her dedication to independent, smart and political music. Under the umbrella of the folk genre, which DiFranco broadly defines as an “attitude” rather than simply just a genre, Allergic to Water captures DiFranco’s signature style–honesty, seriousness and musicality.

Allergic to Water is not the most sunshiny album, nor is it meant to be. Some music is made for having a good time, and some invokes an introspective, intellectual experience that never stops seriously reflecting about life. It is this latter category that DiFranco’s music falls into. Even “Happy All the Time” has darker wisdom to offer, “And I know pain is a teacher / To be welcomed and not feared / Alas pain is your ally / So embrace it while it’s here.”

Authenticity is easily found on this album, as can be expected from DiFranco. The lyrics are pure poetry, all open honesty and truths about being alive. “If you stretch your mind all the way as far as it goes / There’s someone out there who lives further than that / In a place you can never know.” And at other times, the lyrics poke fun: “I got a database / Behind my face / Of dithering information / Ask me anything / About anything / I got a lotta shit in rotation.” Regardless of intention, the lyrics are never without meaning.

Allergic to Water’s overall instrumentation is fairly simple. Guitar almost replaces drums as the forward momentum and rhythmic pulse on most songs, preventing tracks from seeming too floating or static otherwise. Most of the guitars are acoustic, and other instruments or synthesized sounds merely play supporting roles when it seems appropriate. Sometimes just voice and guitar are enough, as shown on the title track, “Allergic to Water,” allowing the lyrics to take center stage.

While lack of diversity in instrumentation could spell boredom for lesser musicians, DiFranco achieves a variety of sound through dissonant or more unusual melody lines and harmonies and blending of genres. “Genie” showcases improvised-sounding syllabic vocal lines and a violin solo reminiscent of jazz. Further eschewing genre boundaries, ”Dithering” has a funk feel while “Harder Than it Needs to Be” has a country/blues inspired sound.

With meaningful lyrics and a colorful wash of sound on each track, Allergic to Water produces music that is both complex and simple at the same time. DiFranco demonstrates that songs don’t necessarily need to be showy to be effective, enjoyable, or meaningful. There is no hiding, just openness, musical talent and all DiFranco. As her lyrics suggest, “This is me, sincerely.”