Lissie’s My Wild West juxtaposes city and country, love and loss. The folk singer/songwriter’s third studio album is perhaps her most honest material to date, exploring the journey she’s embarked on while moving from California to the American Midwest.
Opening the record with the instrumental My Wild West Overture, it’s clear Lissie’s change of scenery has led to a slight change of sound. From pop rock at it’s best to an authentic western folk sound, the American artist has evidently diversified. Blending multiple electric guitars together, the short piece acts as an introduction to her country roots. Opening with Hollywood and closing with Ojai, Lissie pays tribute to her home for the past decade. Telling the tale of “Falling in love with California” and revealing “I know I’m gonna see you again…I’ll be thinking of you until then”, it was surely a bittersweet goodbye.
As she exclaims her excitement of “going rouge” in the Wild West, a foot tapping kick drum sends the track forward, boosted by distorted electric guitars. With dreams of “40 acres in the sun”, Hero looks deeper into her desire. In contrast to the typical big city dream, the subtle storyteller dreams of a much more simple setting.
Picking up the mood and pace, Don’t You Give Up On Me is a breath of hopeful air that evokes a stress-free dance break.
Transforming into a climactic rocker during Daughters and Shroud, the powerhouse vocalist proves her ability to transcend a genre specific release. Bringing the record to a close with acoustic ballads Together Or Apart and Go For A Walk, Lissie’s also no stranger to a love song with a whole lot of heart.
BY PHOEBE ROBERTSON
