Pulling from country, classical and even some 1960s pop, the colorful songs on Canyon Drive can make the listener look through the world through a dream, rosy-colored pair of glasses. Canyon Drive, the new album from Los Angeles’ Lisa Marie Claire sounds warm and inviting even when she’s singing of past heartache. You can’t help but fall for her magnetic voice and the kaleidoscope of sounds in these 11 solid songs.
BANDCAMP: https://lisamarieclaire.bandcamp.com/album/canyon-drive
The interesting thing about Lisa Marie Claire is that she’s not originally from Los Angeles. She’s from Seattle, Washington. Arriving in California to pursue her music career and aiming at getting her songs included in television and film, Lisa Marie Claire showcases a solid portfolio of songs that not only amplify her (presumed) personality, but champion her composing prowess. From the first song, “Byronic Hero (Navigator)” she incorporates a modest violin arrangement. The strings give a sense of calm, yet a sense of stoicism. Perhaps they represent the compass, or she’s centering her world. In “Too Subtle”, she cranks up the energy, giving the listener a music bed that is full of sunburst-like organ arrangements. I loved the sound the keys make in this one, and I believe the tapestry includes some synth.
By the time track five arrives, “I Have Loved You”, she’s begins to use the pedal steel courtesy of Jordan Walton. She also uses the pedal steel in tracks six – seven with Randy Neal helming the instrumentation. “I Have Loved You” is a slower song dreamy and almost lonesome sounding. On the albums first listen I found myself wanting to hear more of the happier songs (“Paper Letter”, “Hallelujah, California” especially), but then came back and realized how much I adored Lisa Marie Claire’s voice when she’s fading into despair or sad-sounding. I know, that’s weird, but I wanted to explore those sounds longer. “Ingenue” haunted me for hours. I think this is a song about living up to expectations, about learning your personal truths and sticking to them. I could be totally wrong. “Ingenue” has a Beatles-vibe to is, but it’s very California-rainy day sounding, too. The last track, “God May Laugh” ends on a happy note. I found the acoustic guitar to be chipper, and I loved how you could hear the guitar’s neck break. The piano perks itself through like a percolating coffee brewing. I hope someday you will be proud of me, she sings. She mixes her vocals and the harmonies are delicious, as is the melodic electric guitar riffs (very quick and very subtle) near the song’s end.
The verdict? Canyon Drive from Lisa Marie Claire is a must have for fans of The Beatles, The Bangles, The Pierces, Rilo Kiley, The Postal Service and Mike Mogis. And, if you’re a fan of the soundtrack from Netflix’s The Queens Gambit, this might be your next jam. Canyon Drive is absolutely wonderful and a drive I will take any day and twice on Sunday. If you love music and especially if you love folk rock/60s flare, you will dig this.
Troy Johnston