by Alex Whitelaw
V.V. Lightbody (Vivian McConnell) is the type of artist that will take your breath away. She writes expertly crafted songs that are steeped in emotional nuance and humble wisdom. On her most recent release, Make A Shrine Or Burn It her self described “Nap Rock” sound is built up into an endlessly entertaining tracklist of complex arrangements and tightly performed musical moments.
“If It’s Not Me” is a brilliant introduction to the album and an excellent example of McConnell’s undeniable knack for lyrical structure and composition. It starts like a quiet conversation with the softly sung lyric, “what’s her name.” A line that is delivered with all the heartbreak of a recent break up. It continues to gradually build into a steady groove that rolls along effortlessly before shifting into its introspective closing lyrics “I never want to hate another woman/ just because she accidentally saw you/on the street/It happened to me.” A line that is delivered with surgical precision and heartbreaking sincerity.
“Damn Golden” plays out like a daydream; a brief moment of lucidity while gazing out an apartment window in the Summer. The harmonies are dialed in and haunting while a staccato guitar rhythm glues the song together. It has hints of Daniel Rossen or Robin Pecknold influence while still being entirely its own. “Horse on Fire” starts with an instantly infectious groove of horns and slinky bass. It is full of cool musical moments: like the sharp harmony stabs at 00:37, or the solo at 1:32, or the homage to Roger Miller’s “Little Green Apples” at 2:55; an easter egg that works on its own while being a fun layer for those who are familiar with the Miller/Russell song. It is juxtaposed against the subdued “BYOB.” A song that charmingly spills forward like an overturned bottle of wine. While “Car Alarm” barrels into existence like a 2002 Honda Civic at 2 a.m., it’s one of the more emphatic songs on the album and can be characterized by its rhythmic shifts between verse sections. “Flat Tire” is in the same vein as “Damn Golden”; it has the same off kilter acoustic strum pattern anchored by solid harmonies and a haunting vocal melody.
“Offers” is an introspective track that marks a noticeable shift for the last third of the album. The last three songs work together to offer an inescapable somber and charming lack of production that further showcases McConnell’s ability to craft a haunting and catchy song.
Make a Shrine or Burn it is a wonderful album. It makes its point clearly and concisely without overstaying its welcome. Its nine tracks work together to deliver a record that is steeped in detail and brimming with talent. It is musically and emotionally complex while never getting too bogged down in the details. If you are going through a break up this album will help get you through it. If you’re not going through a break up but you’re looking for a great album to listen to while you walk to work, drive home from work, do laundry, cook, eat, exercise, pretty much anything, this album is for you.