Ol’ Kentucky Light
Atomic Sound, 2022
9/10
The New York resident and singer-songwriter Lara Taubman returns with a sophomore album, where substantial topics like mortality, mental health and spirituality and their balance in this often difficult world makes for a very artistic and intimate listen.
“Darkness Before Dawn” starts the listen with charming warmth in the gentle climate that illustrates much soulfulness in Taubman’s soothing pipes alongside the hypnotic bass lines, and “Ol’ Kentucky Light” follows with a gentle, poetic spirit that allows the expressive singing to shine amid the rich musicianship.
Half way through, “The Other Side Of The River” recruits cozy folk-rock ideas that benefit from radiant keys and crisp drumming, while “Mercy” relies on a minimal approach that showcases powerful singing in a gospel friendly delivery.
Arriving near the end, “The Water” is a charming duet that’s a bit rugged but also very melodic in its lush landscape that welcomes graceful piano, and “Grace” exits the listen with mesmerizing acoustic guitar complemented by Taubman’s flawless and captivating voice.
An album that just carries an aura of healing, Taubman pours her heart and soul into these songs, and it makes for an absolutely stunning, therapeutic journey of an artist sorting through some of life’s biggest obstacles.
Travels well with: Leland And The Silver Wells- Leland And The Silver Wells; Annie Keating- Bristol County Tides