Nikki Lemire's "Live at Lakewood" album Review
Review by: Dani Erin, Writer @danierinmusic
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, Owner/Editor @PlaylistTC
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Ever have one of those days where the chill vibes are just palpable? You put something in the oven for the long cook and time just slows way down. You turn your phone off and stay in your pajamas, maybe you don't put pants on at all that day. No judgment, you do you. Where the push and pull of life's demands melts away. This was the kind of day I was having when I decided to listen to Nikki Lemire's Live at Lakewood album and let me tell you she only increased those chill pantless vibes.
Nikki Lemire’s talent is obvious. Her energy and voice are so soothing you will find yourself in a bubble bath in no time. She knows exactly when to increase her intensity and she knows exactly when to soften both her vocals and her harp playing. She sings every word as she feels it and let me tell you that is no small feat. She is a true vocalist, these are not just words, they are emotional rhetoric bombs. Her voice is so calming, I want her to read me a bedtime story and I bet I would fall asleep on the third page of Green Eggs and Ham.
Full disclosure I have paired on two shows with her so I can also let you know that somehow she is even better live. Wait wait wait, this is probably the moment I should tell you that this whole album was recorded live. I'm gonna say that again, this album was done LIVE. Do you have any idea how incredibly hard that is?
Now let's get into the Live at Lakewood album. I can't help but think that the first three songs “Little,” “Firecracker,” and “Come in Close” are direct messages to her family. I could be wrong, but you could tell her heart was bursting and at some moments bleeding. These are the songs that are so difficult to do as an artist since it opens up a window to a very private part of an artist's soul, the few things that an artist keeps for themselves. These songs are just a taste of what's to come.
The track I listened to over and over again was “Memphis.” The “I should have left you in Memphis maybe LA” hook is just so catchy. It's clear she should have ditched some bad apple on the road in order to cease the conflict. She got the last word whatever the situation was. The percussion is so subtle on this track that you almost don’t know it’s there, which I like because it’s not pulling on your ear.
Okay, I promise that I am not making this up but when I started playing “Let the Rain Come in” it literally started downpouring. Which isn't that unusual considering how much rain we have had this year, but it was such a cool way to fully take the song in. Something about this song makes me think eventually everything gets clean, renewed. Her harp playing against her voice is pure poetry, you can tell they are good friends. Speaking of which, I asked Nikki what she listens to on a rainy day and she said “I am most interested in what my friends are writing and releasing so I spend the majority of time combing through local playlists and listening to Diane on the Local Show to hear what is up and coming. There is so much talent in Minnesota! I mostly listen to female/non-binary artists because harmonizing with higher voices is my favorite thing to do.”
“Mend it” was another track that caught my attention. There's an underlying darkness to this song. Almost like an anthem of what you should and shouldn’t do. Nikki’s harp playing on this track has this dramatic element to it, this ebb and flow that drives the entirety of the song.
Next up is “There it is.” This song is insanely playful. The harp jumps around, but playfully embraces her sultry vocals. Like a game of hide and seek where they both keep finding one another. They shine on their own but are better together. A perfect match, I am so happy that of all the instruments to pick up she chose this one.
The emotional valleys, aches and depth she encapsulates on this album lead me to ask her if she had ever wanted to give up on music and how she pulled herself out of those inevitable moments of self doubt, “On making music, no. Performing music, yes. I think I get frustrated at the way our society undervalues art–the effort it takes to make it, how special it is that we can create anything at all, and is kind of preoccupied with the what instead of the why. I think it is the why in the creation of the art that is the most powerful and impactful. When we get really tangled in deciding if something is good or bad art, fits or doesnt fit, makes money or doesn’t make money, we lose a sense of our humanity and our connectedness. So I guess I think I will always make art because to me it is a compulsion. I can't NOT do it. I truly don't feel a choice in that, but whether or not anyone needs to see it is an ever lingering question.” So let me answer that question for you Nikki, the world is a better place because WE see it. Because in every track we see you, we hear you, we understand you and we can’t wait for more.
