Singer / songwriter Julien Baker from Memphis, Tennessee is only 22 years old, but sounds like she's had a whole life. Just like on solo debut from 2015, on Turn Out The Lights she deals with heavy themes such as depression ('The harder I swim, the faster I sink', Baker shouts at the end of the gripping Sour Breath), self-hatred ('You' re everything I want and I'm all that you dread ', she sings
… in Shadowboxing) and religion (in Televangicals, for example, about mass preachers who want to impose their version of the Christian faith). It all sounds painfully sincere and tear-jerking beautiful. Especially because of Baker's clear voice, which at times is reminiscent of the Northern Irish - another ancient, tattooed nightingale. What the American could learn from her is that it doesn't hurt to vary in pace sometimes and perhaps strike a lighter tone every now and then. Julien Baker is definitely a talent - and Turn Out The Lights a beautiful album - but it is a bit heavy on the stomach. (RME)more
