This past Friday March 22, folk genius Hozier dropped a surprise EP of unreleased songs, cleverly titled “Unheard,” Olivia Rodrigo released the long-awaited “GUTS (spilled)” frequently teased on her tour, and Adrienne Lenker released their album “Bright Future” in entirety after months of soft launching.
Another five tracks were added to the already stellar sophomore album from Olivia Rodrigo, who has come a long way from her days on Disney Channel and made a name for herself within the pop genre with distinct punk roots. The first track, “obsessed,” was on the GUTS world tour setlist. Both of Rodrigo’s albums have explored reconciling personal flaws in relationships and have outwardly spoken about jealousy, imperfection, and insecurity, deconstructing the fourth wall of celebrity and exercising vulnerability. Rodrigo’s “obsessed” further develops this theme against the backdrop of a grungy guitar and drums combo. The tracks “girl i’ve always been” and “stranger” have playful lyrics and the musical focal point is an acoustic guitar, making me hopeful for a folk-centric third album.
Adrienne Lenker, lead singer of acclaimed band Big Thief, released their fifth individual album “Bright Future,” which features a stunning, stripped rendition of Big Thief’s “Vampire Empire.” The album utilizes silence and atmospheric sounds of recording, promoting a sense of spontaneity.
Hozier’s “Unheard” established a set of bonus tracks for Hozier’s already gorgeous LP “Unreal Unearth.” The first track, “Too Sweet” was surprisingly ferocious, with commanding vocals and ensnaring drums, which will be unreal when performed live. The ferociousness does not deprive the song of delicate subject matter, which tells the story of a relationship in between two contrasting lifestyles. The remaining three tracks are characteristic of Hozier’s gauzy tunes with springtime tones and natural imagery. “Wildflower and Barley” featuring melodic backing vocals from Allison Russell references the COVID-19 pandemic, discussing how places like the city and countryside seemed desolate and longing for human life: “Grass is crying out to be heated by bodies/The street is for the laughter of young women and men.” The four new songs are additions to an already remarkable album.
