Bring Me the Workhorse

Released in 2006, Bring Me the Workhorse is the debut studio album by My Brightest Diamond, the project of multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Shara Nova (formerly Worden). Following her work with Sufjan Stevens' touring band, Nova established a distinct sonic identity that bridged the gap between the conservatory and the dive bar. The album was recorded with a core ensemble that included a string quartet, which Nova arranged herself, showcasing her background in classical composition. Critically, the album was praised for its sophisticated arrangements and Nova's extraordinary vocal range, which drew comparisons to Kate Bush and PJ Harvey. It remains a definitive document of the mid-2000s chamber pop movement, notable for its ability to integrate avant-garde theatricality into accessible indie rock structures. The lyrical themes often touch on mortality and the surreal nature of domestic life, delivered with a dead-serious intensity that elevates the material beyond typical singer-songwriter fare.