Ilsabe OConnell

“'Little Lost Cause' is a true gem for fans of Folk, Americana, and Singer/Songwriter as O’Connell flawlessly exhibits both respect for tradition and massive amounts of talent.

“Tonight on the Carnival Midway” is a powerhouse of folk as O’Connell delivers an ode to the midway freak show (a theme that is threaded throughout the album from songs to artwork) that is appropriately sad but endearing all the same. “Over Your Head” is another highlight of the album, although more straightforward lyrically, its beautiful guitar work perfectly compliments O’Connell’s voice. When her voice harmonizes near the end of the song it just melts you and the solo is perfect.

I can’t say enough good things about this album. It is certainly one of the best releases I have heard this year, independent or otherwise. “Little Lost Cause” is beautiful, intriguing, lost, hopeful, and creative all at the same time. Ilsabe O’Connell is an artist that you should be watching if you like any of the aforementioned genres."

Key Tracks: Over Your Head - 1340mag.com

Ilsabe O'Connell has a fetchingly beautiful voice; it's timbre is crystal clear with just a hint of accent and whiskey that makes it draw the ear like a warm blanket on a very cold day. And today is a cold day. Little Lost Cause is a collection of acoustic guitar driven songs that remind me of the better moments of Lori Carson's career. O'Connell's songs are heartfelt and emotional, full of the bittersweet beauty that so much of today's new alt-folk lacks. "Nothing I Don't Like" is an exercise in songwriting perfection, drawing lines like: "The love that you make/ is a little insincere/ it's a postcard that says/ 'Wish you were here'". Her voice attains the dirty angelic quality of Lucinda Williams at many times on the album, but never more prominently than when she coolly sings those twisted love/hate lyrics. There are a few upbeat numbers hidden among the brilliant dirges of the record, like the quirky "The Dollar Store", with its musical compliment of shuffling drums and hilarious lyrics. Pay careful attention to the Dolly Parton-esque inflections and old school Waylon Jennings guitar solo. The album hits its stride on "Tonight On The Carnival Midway"; a track diced with moody lyricism and wonderfully melodic vocal lines that create a complete picture aided by delicate acoustic guitars, provided by the skilled hands of Eric Lugosch.
This is the first I've heard from Ilsabe O'Connell, but I hope that this will not be the last. I can always use the kind of music that speaks so directly to my heart, not only in lyric, but in tone and feeling. This is a bright talent that will hopefully continue to mature and grow her amazing songwriting to even more heights of glory. - hybridmagazine.com