Maya Lane’s debut album is gorgeous. ‘Start of Something’ is like the full and confident bloom of a flower that was only tentatively opening up on her last record, ‘Diary of an Overthinker’. Since that EP in 2024, it seems like she has mastered the art of lyrical storytelling and embraced a psychedelic form of Folk-Pop. It is easy to get lost in but not in a nonchalant way. There are truths here that strike at the heart. Comforting as they speak to reality.
After a short intro, ‘Cherry Stains and Dumb Flings’ speaks to a beginning and an end. The search for home when “home is not an option”. It is the status of many a 20-something, wrapped in Lane’s signature sound. ‘Sun Comes Out’ refracts a brighter note off its percussive and acoustic elements to present a healthy optimism. It feels closest to the title’s intent, with ‘Destiny’ following up care-free but not quite blasé. “If it’s meant to be then it’s meant to be” goes the refrain, and the saxophones sing their approval towards the song’s end.
‘Ruin My Life’ then changes musical direction as all but the acoustic guitar makes way. The high vocals help to create an ethereal atmosphere; the strings an expansive aura. Continuing into ‘Big Girl Pants’ and ‘Candy Store’, it evokes the musing of Georgia Ruth and the meandering of Al Olender – artists who, like Lane, are adept at descriptive and deft lyrics packaged in a phantastic, mesmeric sound. The latter track walks a brilliant line between vulnerability and assurance. Its honest assessment of contemporary dating offering an excellent companion to her previous single ‘Just a Girl’.
‘Good Company’ feels the closest to her EP. The introspection and self-examination found there in view here as “I ma[k]e a cup of tea to spill my feelings”. This quality first line sets up a carefully-crafted series of lyrics that hit their heights in a chorus full of marvellous contradictions. If the title of the album refers to the start, then this track is set in the middle of a story that “one day [will be] just right”. The bubblegum-style pop that envelopes it making light of a truth about herself that she accepts outright. Very different in style to the album’s closing song. ‘Enjoy the Show’ no less embracing of the present but communicated in a stripped-back melody. Story-led with poetic detail and words of wisdom to simply soak in. This is the best of Maya Lane.
‘Start of Something’ really establishes her as an artist of high repute. A British Kelsea Ballerini if comparisons are ever sought.
You can find out more about Maya and where to listen to her album here.
Featured Image (C) Maya Lane
