Grief Creature
Self-Released, 2019
8/10
Mary Lambert wears many hats- author, activist and musician- and here the Grammy nominated artist has plenty of fodder for a powerful listen, as a break up, a house fire, and working through a bipolar episode have all consumed Lambert in the last half decade.
“Fine/Finally” starts the album with soft keys in a contemplative setting as Lambert’s pretty, breathy vocals guide the expressive opener, and “Shame” follows with a quicker approach as calming percussion helps allow Lambert to show us much depth with her strong vocal prowess.
The remainder of the lengthy listen follows a similar, artistic approach, including the pop focused and immediately memorable “Write You A Song”, while “Easy To Leave”, with Maiah Manser, flows with sublime beauty and cautious, careful instrumentation.
Deeper in the listen, “Not Ready To Die Yet” recruits a folk quality to the gentle musicianship, and “If You Ever Leave Somebody” radiates a timeless emotional quality with its forthrightness and honesty. “Bless This Hell” ends the listen with help from Julien Baker on the 7 minutes of aching introspection as piano glides against Lambert’s moving pipes.
Certainly far from a feel good record, Lambert sorts through real life struggles on this cathartic and very intimate affair that’s got plenty of universal appeal both lyrically and musically.
Travels well with: Ani DiFranco- Allergic To Water; Mat Kearney- Just Kids