Adrianne Lenker, singer-songwriter and lead vocalist of Big Thief, is as prolific as ever, with a showcase of songwriting mastery in her latest full-length record, “Bright Future.”
Lenker’s latest work is a lyrical beauty reminiscent of works from the likes of Bob Dylan and Nick Drake, and the obvious comparisons to Eliott Smith and Joni Mitchell are unavoidable. Lenker’s lyrical prowess is painted throughout her work – an oeuvre filled with devastating poetry and raw intimacies, which are all present in her latest effort.
“Bright Future,” released on March 22, is more stripped back than any of Lenker’s previous solo work, with sublime Americana-influenced production. The record consists of just a few instruments, used sparingly but evocatively. In the same creative fashion as her 2020 solo record, “Songs,” Lenker confined herself to a studio in Massachusetts, and came out with an album that was true to life, unabashed and unforgiving, gut-wrenching, and gorgeous, and gritty in its messy but intentional demo-style takes.
However, Lenker still manages to deliver a refreshing sound despite the subtle and acoustic folk production of the record. It’s in stark contrast to Big Thief’s quirky instrumentation on their 2022 record, “Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You,” which is perhaps a better example of Lenker’s skills.
“Do you remember running? / The purity of the air around / Braiding willow branches into a crown / That love is all I want / I’m a child humming / Into the clarity of black space / Where stars shine like tears on the night’s face,” Lenker sings on “Real House,” the opening track, lamenting memories of her past during turbulent times in her childhood.
Lenker has mastered vulnerability in the timbre of her voice and tracks like “Vampire Empire,” released in late 2023 as a Big Thief single, retain the heavy rock sound present in the original rendition. “Reeling, feeding, feeling filled by everything you fed / I see you as you see yourself through all the books you read / Overwhelmed with guilt and realizing the disease.” Again, Lenker effortlessly conveys a scene with simplistic yet striking language, utilizing alliteration and change in inflections.
Lenker can balance soft tones with fervent vocals which makes for an authentic listening experience and the artistic transition from Big Thief to her solo work is her towing that line perfectly.
“Evol” and “Ruined,” much like the rest of the album, highlight unique lyrics filled with wit and clever rhyme schemes. The latter works seamlessly as the closing track, with the albums most somber vocals yet. The former may seem like a predictable play on words, but Lenker successfully and gracefully incorporates several examples of palindromes, and is able to thematically connect them.
Although “Bright Future “is a work to behold, Lenker’s “Songs” may be more palatable to new fans, with more accessible production and overtly poetic lyrics. But Lenker’s ability to induce emotion through her inspired diction, and still convey relatability, is some of the best of her generation. “Bright Future” is yet another classic in her catalog of captivating lyricism.
