Secret Meeting score: 81
by Philip Moss
As I’m sure you can imagine, the politics of Donald Trump do not fall in line with our values and beliefs. But, as was touched upon in our interview with Ian Felice, his abhorrence could actually see the art world benefit – especially music. Laura Veirs’ new record, The Lookout, is another in the long line of brilliant records that will be looked back upon in years to come as part of the punk movement that Trump ironically inspired.
Veirs has been on the country folk scene for nearly two decades. In 2016 she was part of the supergroup (along with kd Lang and Neko Case) that put out the critically acclaimed album, case/lang/veirs. But now, having recently joined the ever growing roster of incredible artists at Bella Union, the Colorado native (now based in Portland, Or) has just put out her new album, The Lookout.
Having lent her vocals to Sufjan Stevens’ career highlight, Carrie and Lowell, Stevens returns the favour on Watch Fire. His vocals – much like rest of this subtly special record – are hushed but bring a melodic colour only he knows how to. While one of the record’s most immediate tracks, Mountains of the Moon, with its soundscape of dreamy slide guitars provide the perfect backdrop for Veirs’ medieval imagery and tinges of hope- ‘It’s time to matter, the earth will see you on through this time’.
Album highlight, Heavy Leaves, is a pastoral masterpiece of nature inspired imagery that carries a sinister undertone – ‘Oh, heavy petals free your head, legions of pasture call from the bed. Oh, heavy petals just like me, tenderest rage that no one can see.’ Yes, Veirs’ voice may float through your speaker like a warm summer breeze, but this is a songwriter with their eyes open and heart firmly aching at the political climate America, and the world, finds itself in.
Now it would be amiss of me not to mention the beautifully tasteful production from Veirs’ Grammy nominated husband, Tucker Martine (Modest Mouse, Sufjan Stevens, The Decemberists). Just as was the case with Introducing Karl Blau, every piece of instrumentation is magnificently captured and allows the songs to breathe. This is no better showcased than on lead single, Everybody Needs You – her warm reflection on parenthood where over heavily processed drums, Veirs’ voice radiates – ‘Out in the yard, the kids pull your sleeves. Your turquoise beams, light up the gutter leaves. Everybody needs you.’
Punk has always been about spirit and attitude, not sound. So The Lookout may just be the most beautiful punk record you ever heard.
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