On top of giving voice to tracks inspired by personal tribulations, ordeals endured by loved ones, the divisive state of the world, and uncertainty in general, singer/songwriter
Laura Stevenson
was pregnant with her first child when she recorded her sixth album. Titling the personal set
, it was recorded in Marlboro, New York with producer
John Agnello
and features guitar work by friend and frequent collaborator
Jeff Rosenstock
. The track list opens with the volatile "State," which alternates simmering, quieter verses ("I stay politeâ?¦") with explosive rock choruses ("It keeps me alive/It's easier, right?"), though the verses' accompaniment previews the noise. While not indicative of a ruminative album with several intimate, acoustic entries, that song's indie rock properties are revisited on songs like the more composed "Don't Think About Me" and the bouncy, infectious "Sandstorm," a restless song that dares a partner to go ahead and break her heart ("and let the sandstorm cover me"). The tenderer "Mary" opts for elegant piano balladry, while "Wretch" offers a dreamy folk-rock with layered vocals that reflect on the passage (and damage) of time. The stylistically variable
LP leaves listeners with "Children's National Transfer," a spare fingerstyle ballad that sees our narrator stepping out of the turmoil to pick up cigarettes and a cold drink ("Another boring customer/Frivolously lingering at the soda fridge/Fingering through the rows of chips"). It's a poignant reset to close a burdened but nonetheless tuneful set. As "Sky Blue, Bad News" speculates, "Maybe I'll be better in a year." ~ Marcy Donelson