Marissa Nadler’s July is a haunting collection that displays the singer’s wide-ranging folk vocals and dexterous acoustic finger-picking.
While her sixth studio release does run the risk of verging on exhausting melancholia, a factor that may prevent her from catapulting into the pop culture vernacular, the LP contains lovely swelling harmonies and relatable lyrics.
July isn’t exactly a groundbreaking release, but it’s purpose will depend on the listener. Set to a wintery backdrop, the album may be better served as a companion for those dealing with loss or rejection.
Lyricism is a highlight throughout July, namely the role alcohol plays through a relationship’s lifespan. Nadler reminisces about how she and her partner once happily “drank our summers away” on ‘Fireworks’. The theme continues during ‘Holiday In’, where she shamefully admits to phoning her love when she was “drunk all the time”. It is moments like these that give depth to the album, confronting the listener with – perhaps relatable – hopelessness and despair.
Similarly, during ‘I’ve Got Your Name’, Nadler evokes empathy when singing, “changed in the rest stop into my dress, tried not to touch the floor. I’ve done that kind of thing before.” One can not help but be drawn to the heartbroken protagonist as she drives to New York City searching for the man disinterested in her.
July is a pretty exploration through low points in a person’s life. Nadler’s latest offering may develop relevance during the cold and dark months, but for now, it is a compilation of intriguing yet hazy dream-folk songs.
Listen to ‘Dead City Emily’ from July here:
