Adrianne Lenker, the creative force behind Big Thief and introspective solo albums, strips things down on her latest release, “Bright Future.” This album recalls her earlier work, with loose song structures, minimal production, and a pure-folk sound.
Lenker’s poetic touch takes center stage. Songs like “Real House” weave personal memories with atmospheric piano, while unadorned instrumentation and vocals throughout create an intimate, almost jam-session-like atmosphere.
Lyrically, Lenker remains masterful.”Fool” and “No Machine” explore relationships and personal struggles with empathy and insight. “Evol” showcases her wordplay alongside a sense of longing and introspection.
“Donut Seam” balances sarcasm with sincerity, reflecting on our tendency to seek comfort in distractions during difficult times. The album closes with “Ruined,” a beautiful song that captures both joy and sorrow, celebrating the past while acknowledging the impermanence of things.
“Bright Future” finds Lenker in a contemplative mood. She steps back from sonic experimentation to embrace the timeless beauty of folk music. However, her ability to hold listeners captive with melodies, vocals, and poignant lyrics remains. This album solidifies Lenker’s status as both an innovator and a preserver of tradition, showcasing her depth and versatility as an artist. – Jason Felton