by Jaclyn O’Connell (@jaclyn_oconnell)
Some albums have a way of defining specific seasons of our lives. A happy, pop-driven album swings us through a muggy, sunburnt summer. A crisp, beat-heavy record whips us right into fall, and so on. For Boston’s Lilith, releasing their debut album Apology Plant (Disposable America) in the brittle month of February fit perfectly into a typical New England winter.
A woozy recollection of exhausting friendships and frustrating-yet-affectionate relationships, Apology Plant pleasantly sways you through five tracks. Though slightly synonymous in rhythm, the unique melodies on each track are truly what make this album stand out. “If I’m not an afterthought / who’s this other girl you brought?” Hannah Liuzzo (vocals, guitar) softly inquires on “Loaded,” a soft opening track with a new but familiar melody.
Floating into “Rated R,” a song that’s lyrically sophisticated and simplistically crafted, Liuzzo is joined by bandmate Kelsey Francis (vocals, bass) throughout an upbeat chorus. Describing an emotionally unavailable love interest, “Rated R” is the most energetic of the five tracks and is a perfect precursor to very accessible and relatable “Nothing 2 U.” A characteristically sad, break-up tale with the resolution that it would be easiest to move on if the other party truly didn’t care about you.
Things get a bit more hopeful but remain unrequited at best on “Nickname.” With lyrics that seem intentionally simplistic and rounded at the edges, it’s a shimmering track that stands as the best mixed on the album with the most variety from drummer Alex Bourne (also of Narrow/Arrow). Drifting through to the final track “Lean” the trio sends us off with an uncomplicated, no-strings-attached ballad. “I want to latch on you / but I’ll sever it right before you can make this high maintenance” croons Liuzzo and Francis, as the track swells with slopes into the album’s conclusion.
Being a New England native, I can’t help but always be helplessly enamored with bands that rise to the surface from this specific region. Placing my bias aside, it’s pretty clear that Lilith has a lot to offer and I’m excited to hear what else have in store. Because if Apology Plant is any indication of their capabilities, then we’re in for some stellar work from these three Bostonians.