Jessica Kilroy: Before Dawn
Chris La Tray, Missoula Independent

September 17th, 2009

The best thing a singer/songwriter brings to the table—the stripped-down nature of a single voice paired with an instrument, in this case the acoustic guitar—can also be its biggest hurdle. With a full band, it is much easier to work a little variety into the performance. If an artist doesn't go that route, every aspect of their work needs to be top notch simply by nature of the extra attention focused on it. It's a bold move to make, if you ask me.

Montana native Jessica Kilroy doesn't hide behind a posse of guests and bandmates. Her voice is quietly compelling, and she doesn't distract from the songs with vocal gymnastics that I suspect she is more than capable of pulling off. Her guitar playing is subtle and understated. The focus, then, becomes the songs themselves, and there isn't a dud among the nine tracks of her recently re-released debut, Before Dawn.

I've always thought to be successful, singers/songwriters need to get out of the coffee shop and travel and take risks in order to make their music interesting. Kilroy has taken that route, and it shows in the haunting melodies of her songs. It is good music for reflective days.

De Greef Sabine, With Music On My Mind

April 15th, 2010

(translated from French)

Before Dawn is probably a drop in an ocean of outputs of folk of all kinds, however, it is easily distinguished by its simplicity, sincerity and timelessness. It is a beautiful acoustic album: sensitive, gentle, moving to an accuracy which is rare and unveils many treasures throughout the songs. Among these irresistible treasures: the attraction of magnetic and ethereal Pandora, the heat released by the roots character of 2003, the beautiful poetry and lightness of Strange October, the grip of irresistible Revolution, the melancholy ballad Breathe; my favorite song on the album, the calmness generated by the instrumental Rain, the angelic sweetness of Runaway, the tender and natural From The Mountain and the intimant and radiant Home. Note Finale : A+

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