Singer-songwriter Lydia Luce unveils her new album, Mammoth, a 12-track collection of songs reflecting a sense of peace after vicissitudes.
Luce explains, “These songs reflect where I am in my life right now. They’re about the peace I’ve finally found at home, in my body, and in my relationships.”
One of the mountains she had to climb was pain: a herniated cervical disc, bilateral carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, and an inflamed bone. Finally, after surgery and getting to know her body and its care requirements, she improved.
Talking about the process, Luce says, “Recovery feels a lot like climbing a mountain. You can see the peak, but there are so many switchbacks along the way.”
Produced by Jordan Lehning and Lydia Luce, mixed by Jason Lehning, mastered by Greg Calbi, with string and wind arrangements by Jordan Lehning, Mammoth was recorded at Real World Studios.
Suggested entry points on the album include the title track, with its gentle, plucking tones supporting the gorgeous sighing surfaces of Luce’s delicate vocals. Similar to a lullaby, there’s a bewitching quality to this track.
A personal favorite because of its low-slung throbbing flow and Luce’s captivating voice, vaguely reminiscent of Judy Collins or perhaps Joni Mitchell, “Belly” projects a soft, cathartic mellowness that envelops listeners in warmth.
“Deep End,” a bit melancholic, yet oh-so beautifully arranged, drifts and flows on sinuous colors atop a temperate rhythm. Whereas the hypnotic pulse of “Florence,” with its light, shimmering, almost misty guitars, offers a sumptuous soundscape, at once sensitive and a bit elusive. Luce’s voice simply enchants listeners.
The rippling intro to “Making Amends” leads to Luce’s voice, tinted with loose, momentous timbres. There’s a somewhat tropical feel to “Walking Song,” which, blended with country savors, gives the song a retro feel, akin to Ricky Nelson.
“Signet” closes the album – a splendid instrumental number highlighted by Luce’s peaceful humming voice. The melody teems with tenderness, love, and charm.
Wonderfully wrought, on Mammoth, Lydia Luce uses her intimately exquisite voice to convey elemental emotions.
Discover more about Lydia Luce.
Enjoy our previous coverage here: REVIEW: Lydia Luce “Garden Songs”
