Mitski
Laurel Hell
[Dead Oceans]
Be The Cowboy, the fifth LP by Mitski, morphed the Japanese-American singer-songwriter from cult favourite to global star. Topping end of year lists in 2018, her music reached a wider audience at lightning speed. The ensuing pressures of stardom – and a relentless touring schedule – culminated in a difficult (but necessary) career decision; an indefinite hiatus. Maybe even quit music entirely. Time away from the exhaustive lifestyle of a musician in Mitski’s position (along with the contractual obligation to provide her label another album) encouraged her out of retirement.
Laurel Hell, for the most part, carries over the introspective tonal tendencies established on its predecessor. Opening song, Valentine, Texas, establishes a bridge between the two records. However, there are plenty of unexpected twists and turns. Some successful, others not so much. The driving 80s synth-pop melodies of The Only Heartbreaker, Love Me More and Should’ve Been Me (indebted to Hall & Oates) announce Mitski’s artistic maturation.
Elsewhere, disco informs the immensely catchy Stay Soft, a highlight of the record. Frosty piano lines reminiscent of ABBA on Everyone demonstrate an effective application of their enduring influence, while That’s Our Lamp unfortunately feels more like a natural bedfellow to their challenging 2021 LP.
The sparser moments (There’s Nothing Left of Me, I Guess) however, provide the album’s most compelling compositions. Ones which make you return to the LP.
Ultimately, a gratifying return.
Words: Zara Hedderman
Like This? Try These:
Snail Mail – Valentine
Abba – Voulez-Vous
Julia Holter – Have You In My Wilderness
