“My Light, My Destroyer” Cassandra Jenkins
Alternative and indie folk from the New York-based singer-songwriter. Third studio album, representing a significant step forward in her growth. Incorporates elements of “rock, new age, sophistipop and jazz.” Her lyrics are confident and smart, borrowing from artists such as Tom Petty, Neil Young and Annie Lennox. Musically, she layers piano and other keyboards as well as guitars and ample orchestral accompaniment. Supporting Jenkins are several friends including Palehound’s El Kempner and Hand Habits’ Meg Duffy. RIYL: Jessica Pratt, Laura Marling, The Weather Station and Aimee Mann.
— Francis

Recommended: 3, 2, 12, 1, 9. No FCCs noted.

1. (3:55) Devotion — Sweet vocals over strummed guitar and light keys. Expands into a fuller sound with brass and strings. ***
2. (3:27) Clams Casino — Americana-flavored folk rock with some raspy electric guitar in places. Offers a glimpse into the humor in Jenkins often uses in her songwriting. She sings, I heard someone order the Clams Casino/I said, “Hey, what’s that?”/They said, “I dunno.” ****
3. (3:38) Delphinium Blue — New age pop — a yearning, slow-burning, “cavernous” synth-driven anthem. Lyrics about the day-to-day tasks of a young woman with a new job in a flower shop. ****
4. (0:44) Shatner’s Theme — Noise, samples of crickets chirping, birds singing, and short clips of whistling in the style of the original Star Trek.
5. (3:37) Aurora, IL — Slow-tempo heartland rock. The song was written while Jenkins was holed up with COVID in a hotel room during a tour — she killed time in the parking lot watching planes fly over. There’s also a reference to William Shatner’s comments after his brief trip into space.
6. (2:54) Betelgeuse — Jazzy. Piano, other keys and brass with spoken lyrics. Recalls a time when Jenkins and her mother, a science teacher, went stargazing.
7. (4:45) Omakase — Flowing, light dream pop. Keys and orchestration, with a saxophone added in places. Essentially the title track, with Jenkins repeatedly singing “My lover/My light/My destroyer/My meteorite.”
8. (0:11) Music?? — Random chatter, with the question “Music?” prominent.
9. (3:03) Petco— Moves from breathy, emotive vocals to bigger moments — before closing with crunchy guitar and clashing cymbals. Tells the story of wandering through a pet store to find a companion. ***
10. (1:32) Attente Téléphonique — Short and simple jazzy melody with spoken lyrics in French about a visitor who’s lost.
11. (4:23) Tape And Tissue — Another smokey, cinematic, lounge-like tune. Piano, with a prominent snare keeping time. Full orchestration.
12. (3:09) Only One — Lush and lovely sophistipop. A rich synth landscape with some nice guitar work and perhaps a muted trumpet. “You’re the only one I’ve ever loved” repeated throughout. ****
13. (1:31) Hayley — Lilting, sentimental instrumental outro, featuring cello and violins, plus just a hint of a heavenly chorus near the end.