August vinyl

With track titles such as "Death Up Close", "Something On Your Mind" and "Shuffling Stoned", it's not going to surprise anyone to learn that Shannon Lay's beautiful long form is a reflective, introverted and tender accomplishment. A place where acoustic guitars regularly lull us into dream-like states of consciousness, the fact you also get a truly stunning voice packing opiate qualities adds to the feeling of escaping into a fantasy. It's not all buttercups and rainbows, mind. And nor should it be. This, after all, is Lay, the guitarist from scuzz-loving LA garage punk quartet Feels, not to mention a solo artist whose last release arrived via a label someone set up especially for her. Those looking for grit will find themselves coming up short, as efforts like "November" prove, this one's vulnerable, thoughtful, heartfelt and comes with more than a wistful longing.