Minda Lacy is a Portland, USA-based acoustic folk singer songwriter who has just caught my attention thanks to her beautifully playful new album Loneliest Bug.
By Graeme Smith
Feature art by Lindsay Mercer
Minda is inspired by classic songwriters like Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits, Bob Dylan and Devendra Banhart, as well as the psychedelic rock of Pink Floyd. What we get with her album Loneliest Bug is a combination of them all, along with her own unique style and stories to create something that feels excitingly and joyfully different.
The album starts with its title track. A slow acoustic guitar melody is paired with mournful strings before Minda’s expressive vocals come in. There’s a contemplativeness to her delivery, and her lyrics delve unashamedly into the philosophy of relationships. It’s a strong and compelling start.
The Eyeball Song gives us a livelier style, with an upbeat and traditional folk arrangement and quick-fire vocal delivery. Angry Song is, as the title suggests, fiery, but in an understated way. Rather, it’s the lyrics that really cut against a gentle, laidback instrumental arrangement. There’s Something Wrong With You gives us some delicate, finger-plucking blues while It’s Ok is light and airy jazz folk.
Animal sits at the heart of the album and brings with it some slowed-down country blues. Squeezed Out has wistful instrumentals paired with lyrics that express frustration. A Letter is bright and breezy while Time is textured, reflective and relatable. I’m Dying goes intimate and romantic before The Morning Drinks You Too closes the album with a nine and a half minute slow burner. Opening gentle with plucked strings it develops into psychedelic breakdown.
With this album, Minda Lacy has created something that is as lovely as it is unsettling. Her unique perspective gives much to ruminate over, mostly about how she describes the human experience so poignantly.
The Loneliest Bug was recorded and mixed by Jon Wohlfert. Mastering is by Gabriel Stephan Talamantes. You can give it a listen below.
