She started out as a busker in New York, associating with the city’s bohemian musos and catching the eye of fellow resident Courtney Love. After playing on Jools Holland clad in jeans and a scruffy top, singing alongside Ellie Goulding at The Great Escape, and her covers of Metallica and Lady Gaga becoming YouTube hit sensations, Lissie has been a safe bet for success.
Album “Catching A Tiger” was out on June 21 on Columbia Records. A combination of alt-country vocals and upbeat pop, Lissie’s style is influenced by the breezy style of a weathered instrumentalist. “Look Away” invests sensitive lyricism; “We belong in a fortress of pine trees” she sings, “I won’t be found.”
It would be easy to misinterpret Lissie as just another vacuous female mouthpiece of the A&R giants, yet her skill in playing says otherwise. Single “Everywhere I Go” is a standout track, with strong vocals. “Angels will call on me and take me to my home,” she sings.
“Bully” is another highlight, with slow plucking on an electric guitar and then a fuzzy effect that hints at scuzzier roots and sounds almost like early Pixies. The sentiment is reminiscent of the hobo guitar player, so no prizes for original chord structures – the draw is in the well-honed sound. She sits happily in the canon of female country singer songwriters, adding to the tradition rather than apeing it.
7/10, out now
Lizzie Simner
lissie.com
