Nashville-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Lydia Luce releases her third long player, Florida Girl, via Nettwerk Music Group. Luce explains, “I hope the album helps people along in their own healing journeys and reminds them that they’re not alone. I want to keep creating that safe space where we’re all free to talk about everything.”
Produced by Luce’s friends and bandmates Aaron Steele and Anthony Da Costa, Florida Girl reveals protean soundscapes of chillwave, indie-folk, soft-rock, and electronica, highlighted by moody guitars, splendid piano melodies, throbbing percussion, echoing tape loops, and transparent strings.
Raised in a strict musical household, Luce’s mother was a professional conductor who required Luce to learn to play the violin. After graduating from Berklee College of Music, she briefly worked at world-music label Smithsonian Folkways Records before moving to Nashville, where she became an in-demand session musician playing viola/violin for Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and Eminem.
Comprising ten tracks, Florida Girl begins with “Never Enough,” riding a deliciously undulating rhythm with a rounded, walking bassline as Luce’s ethereal vocals imbue the lyrics with luxurious, sighing timbres. Luce’s voice resembles the dust of rumours, nuanced and gentle.
From a purely subjective viewpoint, entry points include the delightful folk-rock laced “Other Side,” vaguely reminiscent of Joni Mitchell, only with more vibrancy and heavier guitars. Dreamy and silky-smooth, like oil on a mirror, Luce’s velvety voice gives the lyrics a reflective sheen.
“Your Garden,” preceded by a psychedelic introductory track, floats on a low-slung, sparkling melody as Luce’s oh-so-exquisite vocals drift on diaphanous filaments. The electro-pop-coloured “Saline” travels on a delicious, percolating rhythm as Luce’s voice hints of soaring energy, weaving a beautiful sonic tapestry.
“Face and Figure” blends luscious elements of folk and pop into a soothing song that ripples and flows on subtle surfaces, while the closing track, “Minute Too Soon”, features downy, flickering notes that glide beneath Luce’s glorious vocals.
Painted by Lydia Luce’s divine voice, Florida Girl goes beyond inspiration and enters the surreal realm of superlative.
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