The story behind Lucy Dacus' debut is almost too good to be true. The singer / songwriter from Richmond, Virginia was not interested in professional music making for a long time. She recorded the music that forms the basis of her debut album No Burden as a study project. Not for herself, but guitarist Jacob Blizard. In one day they recorded some intimate songs, which they shared with friends and
… family. Via via, the recordings ended up at Egg Hunt Records, which convinced the indie rocker to really release No Burden. Six months later, the larger label Matador re-releases the record. Given the positive reception, the stretch does not seem to be clear yet. Her songs have many characteristic features, which, like her career, could only come about by accident. First of all, there is the low vocals. The twenties are blessed with a voice that sounds many times older than Dacus actually is. By fine-tuning her guitar, her simple playing sounds very soothing. Actually, not much more is needed, except for good songs. And Dacus certainly writes that. (JE)more
