Review
Julien Baker's 'Little Oblivions' is a musical journey that unfolds like a captivating novel, with each track revealing a new chapter in a story of transformation and self-discovery. As we turn the pages of this sonic book, we're introduced to a protagonist who's shed her acoustic cocoon and emerged with wings of electric guitars and pulsing drums. Baker, playing the role of both author and hero, weaves a tale that spans genres, from the gritty streets of indie rock to the misty fields of shoegaze.
The album's narrative arc follows Baker through a landscape of internal struggles and hard-won revelations. In 'Faith Healer,' she invites us into a world where the search for redemption is as intoxicating as it is elusive. The driving rhythms of 'Hardline' propel the story forward, while the haunting whispers of 'Bloodshot' offer moments of quiet introspection. Each song is a vignette, a snapshot of a soul in flux, painted with the vibrant colors of Baker's expanded musical palette.
As we reach the final chapters of 'Little Oblivions,' tracks like 'Highlight Reel' and 'Ziptie' bring our heroine's journey full circle. Baker's voice, a constant companion throughout this odyssey, carries us through the highs and lows with raw honesty and surprising strength. The album closes not with a definitive ending, but with an ellipsis, leaving listeners to ponder the next steps in this ever-evolving story of survival and growth. - Ember
