Primrose Was In Season
Self-Released, 2024
8/10
Listen to Primrose Was In Season
A New York artist who has dealt with much tragedy lately, this 4th album from Mackenzie Shivers sorts through the emotions of a miscarriage, where lyrically forthright songs are quite diverse.
“A Cautionary Tale” starts the listen with much warmth, where Shivers’ emotive keys are met with expressive and eloquent singing, and “Nest” follows with a dreamy appeal that’s percussive heavy, too, with a swirling demeanor.
Moving into the middle, the intimate piano of “Pedestal” allows Shivers’ poetic singing to resonate tremendous poise, while “Johnny Gown” uses buzzing synth and rich musicianship that aligns with the diverse singing.
Landing near the end, the atmospheric “Terracotta Floors” emits a reflective mood via the textured songwriting, and “Whatever It Takes” exits with more emphasis on drums, as the firm keys and pop fueled melodies make this the album’s best.
A body of work that explores healing, the organic drums, charming dance beats, well timed electric guitar and, of course, Shivers’ first rate piano playing and vocals present grief in very artistic and honest ways.
Travels well with: Loreena McKennitt- The Road Back Home; The Northern Belle- Bats In The Attic