Lutalo – The Academy

There was an almost unnerving promise displayed on ‘Once Now, Then Again,’ the breakthrough EP from Vermont based singer-songwriter Lutalo. A hushed confidence accompanied their intricate – at times lo-fi – arrangements that displayed a seasoned approach to composition far beyond their years. Off-kilter folk rubbed up against plaintive indie ruminations as Lutalo tested and found their voice.

And the intervening couple of years have merely served to embolden the artist who now returns with their debut LP ‘The Academy’, an eclectic and immediate affair stripped of any past insecurities. Named after their former school ‘The Academy,’ is an intricate exploration of young adolescence set against the backdrop of a frightful and fractured America; a Holden Caulfield field trip for Gen Z. 

Staring down big topics, economic collapse and its disastrous toll is captured in the hip-hop infused beat and intertwining guitars of ‘Big Brother,’ on which Lutalo recalls the financial havoc that was wrought on their family. Elsewhere the riff heavy alt rock of ‘Ganon’ is a terrifying glimpse of how random acts of violence can turn worlds upside down. And the joyous acoustic strum and galloping bass of closer ‘The Bed’ also does a good job of bringing America to account for its incessant war mongering.

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While previous releases may have placed Lutalo firmly in the soloist category, you would be forgiven for mistaking ‘The Academy’ as a full band effort. But as testament to the aforementioned approach to composition all instruments were recorded by them personally. Particularly impressive when you consider the sonic deviancy of a song like ‘Ocean Swallows Him Whole’ that rips like late 90s Smashing Pumpkins.

While influences pierce through, and the music of the Pacific NorthWest serves as a comforting touchpoint, ‘The Academy’ shifts shape so often that it ends up occupying a unique musical space. There are hints of Fleet Foxes on ‘Summit Hill,’ and ‘Oh Well’ drips with the sweat of a My Bloody Valentine show, but perhaps most exciting is not who the record sounds light but those whose torch it carries.

Documenting the alienation and disillusionment of young life in America is nothing new, nor is trying to capture the idiosyncrasies of a Country that is an inevitable part of your identity. But each generation needs its own voice, and following in the footsteps of Bill Callahan, Isaac Brock and Katie Crutchfield who have all painted their own vivid picture of the country they call home, it now feels like Lutalo’s turn at the canvas. 

Self described as a “first chapter” by Lutalo, ‘The Academy’ already feels like an important document. A diverse and stirring set of songs suffused with an intriguing insight into modern America.

9/10

Words: Craig Howieson

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