Press

Reviews of Snowblind:
“Smith is New York’s answer to Neko Case or Eleni Mandell, a spellbinding singer and master of any genre she touches. Lately she’s been going further in a jazz direction; the cd is a remarkably diverse, emotionally gripping mix of janglerock, pastoral psychedelia, samba, country and even heavy metal.” ––Lucid Culture
Reviews of Friend or Foe:
"A deep, lush collection that works start to finish. I think I love her." ––The Village Voice  "Not just another pretty girl with a Stratocaster. Erica’s a breathy soprano that pleads, indicts and seduces a la Sandy Denny. Steeped in Americana and backed by a potent, jangly electric band, Smith’s most recent material recalls the Byrds, the Church or Crazy Horse in less crazed moments. Onstage, her wise-ass nonchalance fits right in here at the Lakeside Lounge, the East Village’s most trendoid-free venue." ––New York Press
"Erica Smith plays subdued, melancholy urban country––an oxymoron she nicely pulls off." ––Time Out New York
"Given that her bio also instructs us to 'drink up and enjoy this great chick singer', you could be forgiven for thinking that you'd have to have a skinful to enjoy Erica Smith. One listen to her impressive mix of folk and country with the sweetest voice this side of Laura Cantrell and Joni Mitchell will tell you nothing could be further from the truth. Included in the nine tracks here are her takes on the traditional tunes 'Wayfaring Stranger' and 'Oh, Death' and let’s face it, it would be easier to say who hasn’t covered them at some point. That she manages to breathe new life into both these songs is some accomplishment. But it’s the self penned tracks that really stand out, namely the opening '31st Avenue,' the haunting 'A War Is On' and the seven minute plus 'Rose In Winter' (co-written with Sean Dolan). That her own stuff more than holds its own amongst these standards is a testament to the strength of her writing. This is a fine album from a ‘chick singer’ who is surely destined for bigger things." ––Americana UK  "A production which rests primarily on her sweet soprano, a quiet voice that relies more on invitation than on power. The original songs stand successfully alongside the traditional and contemporary covers." ––Dirty Linen
"Her elegant release shocks some sense into several traditional tunes and introduces a soulful new voice on the New England scene."––WYCE Weekly Music Journal
 "This is right in the pocket of classic folk rock right before the amps got turned up. Even with spreading today's sensibilities through the lyrics, Smith knows her influences and terrain well, serving them up as all her own once put through her mix. A tasty singer/songwriter set with some traditional edges that really make this feel like something could have come out on an indy in the 60s. This set really fills a sweet tooth aching for some wonderful, low key personal songwriting that doesn't come across as mere bitching." ––Midwest Record Recap  "Smith makes the most of each moment simply by knowing what she is capable of doing and doing it best." ––Jason MacNeil, popmatters.com  "I particularly like the tabla grooves on 'Wayfaring Stranger' and 'Oh, Death,' and the haunting arrangement of 'Pretty Saro.' Of her original material, 'A War Is On' is particularly good, demonstrating the lyrical influence of Leonard Cohen." ––Sing Out!  "Whereas countless other songstresses tick off Emmylou Harris and Joni Mitchell as inspirations for the sake of appearing hip, Smith seems to be the genuine article, consistently hitting emotional paydirt and never once sounding forced." ––Alt.Music  "She can make traditional songs such as ‘Johnny Come Down To Hilo’ ‘Wayfaring Stranger,’ ‘Oh, Death,’ and ‘Pretty Saro’ sound like her own . . . what makes the whole thing even more impressive is the fact that her own songs are at least as strong as the traditionals. ‘31st Avenue’ and ‘Rose In Winter’ are shining Americana pearls that are here to stay. This is about phenomenal talent here, and we will follow what happens next with wide open eyes." ––Ctrl.Alt.Country (translated from Flemish)  Reviews of Erica Smith:
"New York singer and guitarist Erica Smith's first release is honest and intimate, an understated homage to the traditional folksongs and contemporary songwriters she loves. The sound is spare and effective, just Smith's voice and guitar with an occasional backing vocal or instrumental line, creating a bittersweet, reflective mood. A promising debut." ––Sing Out!
"Deeply moving, expressively intimate songs." ––Time Out London
"If you haven't heard her, do it quickly so that you will be able to say ‘I remember her when she was just starting out. . . .’ Erica possesses a great voice, a knack for performing traditional tunes in a gorgeous setting, and she writes some damn good songs herself! Erica is part of a growing group of folksingers who are bringing traditional music BACK to Greenwich Village, and hopefully well beyond those borders! Erica is a talent that you don't want to miss. An unsolicited testimonial from one of her biggest fans." ––Ron Olesko, WFDU-FM