Lanue - Lanue (2021)

Duluth’s Sarah Krueger has released her latest incarnation, the self-titled album Lanue. I basked in the rays of Sarah’s radiant voice and thought-provoking lyrics. The melodies blossom with ease and their strange familiarity resemble a beautiful specter.
The album was recorded in her hometown of Eau Claire, WI in two - winter and summer - sessions at the legendary Hive recording studio. Brian Joseph’s engineering and mixing (with the help of Sean Carey) are nothing short of excellent. The sonics are syrupy and melt over the verses.
This album was solely written by Krueger, but the featured musicians effortlessly shine and bring warmth to these songs. It’s an all-star supporting cast consisting of Ben Lester (Field Report) on Pedal Steel Guitar, Steve Garrington (Low) on bass, JT Bates (Taylor Swift) on drums, Ryan Young (Trampled by Turtles) with string arrangements, Erik Koskinen (4ontheFloor, Trampled by Turtles) on guitar and Sean Carey on acoustic and electric guitar as well as other production duties. Everyone weaves through each tune and functions as one breathing entity. The album's ambiance is comforting & the lyrics conjure deep, emotional springs from underground wells.
As soon as the swelling soundscape of the “Wars Intro” starts, it lets you know that this musical outing will swiftly defy any genre or expectations that you may have of alt-rock, folk, or country music. Sarah’s warm, reverb-drenched, vocals transcend over a war-torn battlefield. The sound design is stark and impressive. Its expanding drones perfectly complement while juxtaposing her premonitions. It is an uncertain future faced with a lone prayer.
The second song, “September,” starts with a pedal steel guitar and piano melody that slowly drift into JT Bates drumming with stunning clarity. As soon as Sarah starts singing, I feel my eyes fill with tears. She sings of close escapes and glimmering hopes of another lifetime. The musical moments are frequent and the song crescendos with overwhelming emotion.
“Oil Fields” brings me back to another time and reminds me of forlorn relationships that are not easily abandoned. The refrain of “It's never been easy for our love” echo’s through generations. Sarah reveals her integrity & her character with the loyal determination of the early homesteaders.
One of the album's highlights is “Pull Through.” The intro’s heavenly glow is rich and dense. The rising piano and lyrics would inspire even the most downtrodden listener. It paints a meaningful picture and manages to thrive even after its assumed defeat. “We can pull through the darkness to the other side” is an unlikely anthem and a theme that I found throughout the LP’s sentiments.