Lail Arad’s debut album ‘Someone New’ somehow manages to channel a multitude of the North London artist’s influences whilst maintaining an individualistic streak.
Hints of Woody Guthrie, Joni Mitchell as well as Simon and Garfunkel are stepping stones towards new ideas and there is more than a subtle nod to contemporary female artists such as Regina Spektor and Kate Nash.
Like the aforementioned duo; the singer-songwriter manages to inject a dose of humour into her compositions that resonates immediately with listeners. Still, the greatest strength of this release is that the tracks are varied enough to return to for multiple listens.
It sure helps that the lyrics are continuously engaging. In my original review I commented that Lail’s lyrics “appear deceivingly simple whilst conveying a multitude of emotions”. It is this quality that makes ‘Someone New’ endearing in the long run.
Following a string of radio appearances and DIY YouTube videos, including an impromptu performance in 2007 during Devendra Banhart‘s show, Lail Arad recently released her debut album. Whilst those (mostly) homemade videos hinted at the London based artist’s endearing vocals, eclectic influences and unassuming sense of humour the release of ‘Someone New‘ represents the exaltation of her talents.
Over eleven tracks the singer/songwritercovers a load of ground convincingly; It is therefore not surprising to hear an unabashedly upbeat piano-led song sit side by side with a lovelorn guitar accompanied lament. The album dips into various areas of the pop spectrum showcasing an endearing quirkiness and simultaneous vulnerability that brings to mind the eclecticism of Regina Spektor.
Elsewhere the album offers more traditional folk structures, convincingly channels Joni Mitchell as well as diving head on into 50s rock n roll in a similar vain to Kitty, Daisy and Lewis. Throughout these many mood shifts the one constant is how warm the vocals come across giving the impression that you are witnessing an intimate performance.
I really admire Lail‘s knack for expressing universal emotions in just a handful of words. Passages like “who wants to be free when it’s freezing” from the brilliant “Winter” appear deceivingly simple whilst conveying a multitude of emotions. The fact that her accent is hard to place just serves to make these songs more endearing.
‘Somebody New‘ is an enjoyable album that builds on Lail Arad‘s evident talent and if you haven’t heard her music yet I suggest you make amends. Just don’t blame me when you find yourself humming the melodies for days.
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Lail Arad’s debut album ‘Someone New’ somehow manages to channel a multitude of the North London artist’s influences whilst maintaining an individualistic streak.
