A sun-drenched splendor adorns the tropical flavor and deep contemplative grooves of “Life,” with Laird Jackson as a poetic, powerful storyteller. Tempos are slowed to a languid pace to give them this sense of majesty and awe. Everything goes for the tactile – from the backup vocalists to the percussive elements to the melodies that waft through. She delivers such depth in a multi-faceted, multi-layered way that the sounds are executed warmly and delightfully. The lyrics are given the utmost care as she goes on this vast journey within each work.
“I Believe” sets the tone with the song’s casual pace and themes to follow. Low-key funk underpins the dreamy, surrealist nature of “Dusk.” Dripping with love, “Make a Smile for Me” has a careful, delicate pace, with the interplay amongst the band feeling doubly refreshing. Usage of field recordings gives a sense of place with the sprawling, summertime spirit of “In the Pines.” Hushed folk gain a refined stately grace with the intimacy of “Rainbows.” “Rounding the Sun” increases the pace, with a driving pulse steadily growing in strength. Forgoing any arrangement is the intimacy of her voice with the peaceful “The Wind.” Strings of the classical and acoustic variety intertwine on the living, breathing scope of “World of Dreams” with its mournful hues. Slow moving is the gracious gait of “Wild is the Wind.” On “Follow,” things end on a reflective, meditative kick.
Laird Jackson has an excellent ear for melody and an uncanny ability for unusual yet joyous arrangements on “Life.”
