An utterly gorgeous vibe akin to the most gentle summer breeze greets you in the opening bars of an intoxicating release that traps you in an ethereal haze. This is a record to get lost in and allow it to sonically massage your senses. Meredith Lazowski hits the spot big time curating a signature album to re-create mood-driven seductive Americana. A bubbling pot of steel, assorted strings and hypnotic beats guides through a blissful forty-two minutes of satisfying music. OTHER WAY HOME is a slice of creative heaven evoking so many feelings and nuances.
From the husky vocals to a backdrop slipping between cool electric and subtle roots, ten tracks blend into a sublime record that accumulates the capacity to make Meredith Lazowski a talent to transcend far from her inner circle. There are similarities in the way Caroline Spence expends her sound and that artistic journey has worked out well across the spectrum. All ten tracks are solo writes with the overall project benefiting from the production touch of Justin Rutledge. He is one Canadian wrapped in far reaching appeal and Meredith Lazowski has all the hallmarks of being another.
Picking a track to summarise the album is a tough task as each time you attempt it the lure of the complete play wins. Not something to argue against such is the effect. If you buy into the notion that the lead off track is critical in setting the tone then 'Prairie' is job done for Lazowski and her team. Floating steel dominates this number and it was a wise choice for promotional purposes as well. The title track 'Other Way Home' was another syphoned off for promo and its gentle tones anchor the early stages of the second half. 'The Other Side' and 'Aint Too Late' complete the quartet that surfaced ahead of the June 17th release date and all play a part in creating the textual feel to the record.
The creative industry in a more commercial form has been her landing post in the past and this move into something surely more exciting and enthralling to share with an audience reaps rewards. Such does the album gather momentum that 'Running Circles' and 'Navigator' in track positions 8 & 9 ultimately make the strongest case for being the album's crowning moments. Lyrically, the latter of the this duo anoints those who lead on a journey and this album is certainly one vibrant expedition. The track before is a poignant love song pained with so much honesty. After much deliberation 'Running Circles' is the piece from OTHER WAY HOME that's going away with me.
Surveying the remainder, 'December' frames and dates the perfect memory, while 'No Reason' is full of redemption. Once you've been wrapped in the hypnotic blanket of the sound, diving deep into Lazowski's lyrics is the perfect accompaniment. 'Old Friend' dares to up the tempo right at the heart of the record. Mind you it's enacted subtly and in time with the gentle flow of the record.
A philosophy on the record is less is more and that applies to the conservative word approach in the lyrics. The album closer wastes little effort in this quarter and 'Bring Back Time' leaves interpretation in the hands of the listener. We also end with some more delectable steel that completes the circle from the glorious opener.
OTHER WAY HOME ensures the creative musical talents of Meredith Lazowski are geared towards making a record that others will absolutely lap up. She succeeds perfectly in owning a corner of your mind for each play and takes the learner on a most serene of journey.