“Altogether Stranger” Lael Neale
Fourth studio album. Originally from Virginia, Neale moved to L.A. for a time before recently deciding to return to her home state. “Altogether Stranger” finds Neale exploring her disorientation and dissatisfaction with the often-soulless Southern California lifestyle. The music is mostly minimalist and melancholy, but always conveys an urgency and intensity that reflects Neale’s passion as a songwriter. Well-crafted arrangements, with nods to early 70s pop and 80s Krautrock. RIYL: The Weather Station, Weyes Blood, Allegra Krieger, Aldous Harding or Helena Deland.
— Francis

Recommended: 3, 6, 1, 2, 7. No FCCs noted.

1. (2:58) Wild Waters — Dreamy pop, but with an 80s Motorik foundation. Thumping, programmed drum and bass, plus synthesized handclaps. Angular guitar solos in the lead breaks. ****
2. (3:10) All Good Things Will Come To Pass — Chugging train vibe with heavily reverbed vocals overlaid. Alt country feeling. Disarming lyrics about not protecting the “green, green grass” of our environment. “Our feet only know pavement/And the ocean is a trash can/So we’re going to our maker/With our heads hung.” ***
3. (4:59) Down On The Freeway — Hooky single. Propulsive Krautrock feel with slightly jittery, flowing synths emulating endless traffic on the freeway. Directly addressing Neale’s dissatisfaction with her adopted home. ****
4. (2:00) Sleep Through The Long Night — Chime-y Omnichord arpeggios as Neale sings a halting lullaby.
5. (2:40) Come On — Waves of organ, with Neale’s otherworldly, somewhat squeezed vocals dancing in her highest register above the chords.
6. (5:34) Tell Me How To Be Here — Dreamlike and meditative as Neale contemplates her life in L.A. and how she feels out of time and place. Strummed guitar. Keyboard runs. Woozy, ethereal vocals. ****
7. (4:28) New Ages — Anthemic drone pop, with a big jangly guitar and synth base. Neale’s soaring vocals almost seem to trill. ***
8. (3:31) All Is Never Lost — Another gravity-defying, dreamy track with Neale’s vocals floating in the ether.
9. (2:54) There From Here — Reassuring closing lullaby sung over a three-note piano signature. Calm, quiet vocals. Laele’s farewell to L.A.