Steve Lacy requires little introduction on these pages having worked with many of our favourite artists over the years including the Internet, Kendrick Lamar and Vampire Weekend. Still only 24, the innovative and multi-talented musician has birthed “Gemini Rights”, a mature and confident piece of work that showcases Lacy’s strong songwriting and production skills.
Whereas in the past Lacy showcased a fierce DIY ethic and a commitment to creating music on his terms, for this album he chose to work alongside multiple musicians, producers and songwriters. This change appears to have had an impact on the album, with Lacy‘s songwriting sounding laser focused and his overall sound becoming much more polished.
Perhaps counterintuitively, despite how “crowded” these writing and recording sessions were The songs on “Gemini Rights” are the most personal and introspective Lacy has delivered to date. Exploring the complexities of love and relationships these songs are rich and emotive, with Lacy‘s voice taking centre stage, backed by hypnotising guitar work and rich arrangements. Lacy tells tales of breakups, heartache and how it can be difficult to move on, with relatable lyrics and a fair share of moments that verge on the tremendously poetic.
Standout moments include “Helmet” with its exceptionally tasty bassline and bags of flange and wah-pedals for safe measures. Lyrically it goes down a somewhat dramatic path but thanks to the gorgeous arrangements it ultimately manages to offer some warmth despite describing a moment of apparent defeat. Elsewhere “Bad Habit” continues with the retro theme with bright guitars and funk synths which and lyrics that are emotional and pleading but delivered with enough of a tongue-in-cheek quality to not sound completely desperate.
The guitar work is exceptional throughout, with inventive riffs and detailed melodies that add depth and richness to each song. This is the ideal canvas for Lacy to deliver tales of breakups, and heartache and how it can often be difficult to move on.
With relatable lyrics and a fair share of moments that verge on the tremendously poetic, the album showcases Steve Lacy’s growth as an artist and his ability to create a mature, polished and unique piece of art. Perhaps more impressively, “Gemini Rights” succeeds in delivering an intensely personal yet instantly relatable experience.
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