by Philip Moss

Introspection and reflection: difficult times should not be confused with sadness on Lady Dan’s debut full length, I Am the Prophet – a record filled with anthems for independence

Tyler Dozier’s been on quite the journey. And on I Am the Prophet, she taps into a whole host of experiences and life lessons that, despite the raging frustration, bring colour to her writing.

Dug from the same soil as Julia Jacklin’s Crushing, the title track tackles the strict religious upbringing of her childhood. Intensely personal and through a haze of resentment, she fights the patriarchy, but now from a position of confidence – railing against unrealistic expectations and no longer willing to take the abuse.

Dozier’s a skilled lyricist – and the place where her anecdotal narratives blurs with poetic licence is well honed. But the melodic crafting on I Am the Prophet defies the fact that this is a debut LP. An anthem for independence, the album’s best chorus comes on Better Off Alone – ‘I’ve been spending my time at home – it’s not as sad as it may sound. No romance, no social, I’ve caused enough trouble – I think I’ll stay at home. I’m better off alone!’ – as Dozier’s passionate voice is backed by country lapsteels and soft 70s trumpets.

Elsewhere, there is an ironic playfulness of Misandrist To Most that makes it seem almost wrong to want to hum along to a tale of such bitterness. But Dozier’s writing is packed with ‘pop’ appeal – the jaunty control of The Boys Who Can’t Sit Still recalling the knowing voice of more recent work from crossover Queen, Lana Del Rey.

Yes, there are moments of reflection here, but there are also huge swathes of optimism and forward thinking – I Am the Prophet is a record where the weight is more than equalled by the special songwriting. 

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