Lady Lamb: After
8.2/10
Finding new music is a major part of my life. Often there are very ideal "empty patches" of time, in which some of my favorite artists do not put out music. In these open stretches, I am able to discover new bands, or other artists. If I am lucky I will be able to find some of my new favorite bands, but it does not always work out that way. I am happy to say this time I hit the jackpot.
Lady Lamb, formerly known as Lady Lamb The Beekeeper, is the project of hardworking musician Aly Spaltro. Spaltro comes from a humble beginning as a clerk at a video rental store, but she was poised for greatness from the beginning. She worked hard all through the night recording and making new ideas for her music, and eventually her work paid off. In 2014 Spaltro was signed to Mom+Pop, making her dreams as a musician seem very realistic. After is her second album; it was preceded by her debut album Ripley Pine (which I admittedly have not checked out yet).
My first impression of this record was that is was very pleasant sounding. Spaltro's voice is luscious souding, and slides down your ears with ease. The guitar arrangements were also very pretty, but at times they could be heavier as well. Lastly, the lyrics seemed very personal to her. I thought that this record was very meaningful, and that is just amazing when someone can convey so much emotion through music. Now that was my first impression, but as I continued listening to this album, I continued to love it. A lot of these songs have layers that I did not hear until I listened thoroughly. Violet Clementine for example goes through many stylistic changes. There are changes in tempo, timbre, and even tone of the song. The song often shifts from a soul crushing lullaby to a badass, take no prisoners tune of sorrow. The way Spaltro incorporates her vocal melody into this song within the changing instrumentation is also very cool to me. Spat Out Spit includes a funkier, more percussive based feel than most songs on this album. This song is also definitely a standout for me. Around the song Dear Arkansas Daughter this album goes through a dramatic tone change. While the opening notes of Vena Cava scream fun-loving summer-y music, these last three songs really tear me apart. The song Ten blew me away at first. I think that song could be my favorite on here because you really get to hear a more intimate side of Spaltro than on most songs on here. I do have to say, sometimes the dark tone change turned me off of this record. I would say the more fun songs (first half) are stronger actually. I think that in these songs Spaltro took more risks with the instrumentation, and she was more creative. Regardless, I enjoyed the album all the way through and I am excited to see what is in store for Lady Lamb.
I really think this album is solid, but I will not lie that it is a little bit front-loaded. A lot of these songs are legitimate gems, I think that some of the less creative arrangements hurt the album as whole. I'm still happy to have Lady Lamb in my life though. My biggest question is where does she go next. Will she delve into more experimentation, or will she continue with this indie-folk persona she is building now? I think she will be ok either based on the musicianship she exuded on this LP. If you haven't heard Lady Lamb, check her out right now! Her new album After is out right now!
Best Songs: Violet Clementine, Ten, Billions of Eyes
Skip: Atlas, Milk Duds, Penny Licks
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