State Of Romance
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
The Vermont native Lillian Leadbetter brings along an excellent cast for these 8 well thought out folk and Americana songs that resonate much warmth.
“Not In The Mood For Heartbreak” opens the listen with Leadbetter’s gorgeous singing alongside the gentle acoustic guitar and dreamy ambience, and “American Sweetheart” follows with Phil Cohen’s meticulous guitar that builds into a rich and soaring climate thanks to Dan Ryan’s soft drums and Jacob Weiss’ emotive fiddle.
“State Of Romance” and “Leo Moon” land in the middle, where the former carries narration from Sophia Ciriganon surrounding the atmospheric waves, while the latter flows with a haze of pretty singing amid Ben Rodgers’ distinct pedal steel and Marie Hamilton’s well timed harp.
Close to the end, “In Dreams” uses soulful backing vocals that suit the intimate minimalism, and “Silver Lining” exits with Eli Gold’s graceful piano that builds into a lush and powerful finish.
A record that is very much focused on mood, the subtle use of trumpet and flugelhorn by Connor Young and Rodgers’ banjo only adds that much more allure for this meditative and soothing body of work.
Travels well with: Birds Of Play- Birdsongs Of The American West; Crowes Pasture- Don’t Blink