Shannon Lay is a singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles known for her airy guitar lines and raw, narrative lyrics as a solo artist and member of the band Feels. Her first recordings were done DIY-style in her home, giving her skills to be truly hands-on in the production of her records. Her debut All This Life Goin’ Down was released in 2017, she toured in support of the album in opening slots for Kevin Morby and Ty Segall. In August of that year, she signed to Sub Pop, meaning she was able to quit her retail job and be a musician full time. This momentous occasion inspired the title of her new album, August. Co-produced by Ty Segall, the record brings to mind Elliot Smith, Cate Le Bon, and classic Greenwich Village folk such as Karen Dalton - she covers the latter to great effect here (“Something on Your Mind”). “November” is an ode to Nick Drake’s mother, gently finger-picked guitar and swooning fiddle. “Death Up Close” features squalls of sax from Mikal Cronin, a strong contrast to Lay’s pitch-perfect tremolo. This is the orange colored "Loser Edition" of this LP, and includes a printed inner sleeve. 

• orange colored vinyl pressing
• printed inner sleeve
• digital download included
• limited edition
• music label: Sub Pop 2019

reviewed by CURTIS W. PITTS 09/2019