Album Review: Lola Kirke Is A Folk Myth In “Heart Head West”

Lola Kirke’s debut, Heart Head West, really does sound like a folk western. It feels as sullen yet magnificent as the ending of Thelma & Louise, except the two leads are really her and heart driving over the edge and hoping the landing is painless. It is a significant perspective considering Heart Head West is about a young woman trying to combat what the world asks of her while trying to figure out what she is asking of herself. 

From “Bad News” to “Turn Away Your Heart,” this record could ignite square dances across the nation. You feel like you are walking into a Nashville bar with Christmas lights still streaming in July and a working juke-box. Cowboy hats and boots swirl as Kirke sings to pushing away those that try to make her believe an image of herself rather than encourage her to discover her truths. This is not new to love and life. Whether it is fame or a boyfriend/ girlfriend, there will always be an energy or being that tries alter who you are by distracting you from building your own identity. Now, this concept may seem vast, but Kirke veils it with a sweet, languishing voice. 

There is natural “craving” to Lola Kirke’s vocality. She sings her songs with a wistfulness of yearning and loveliness such as, “Out Yonder,” “Monster,” and “Supposed To.” Yet, she is tapping into the balance of human imbalance; we oddly love this world even when we hate it, and we still want others’ approval even when we do not approve of how they want us. Humanity knows how to complicate its simplicity, but Kirke returns us to such a state by making every melody and her sung word effervescent. She leaves any “complex” thought to her lyrics; allowing listeners to dissect her folkish, blued verses like one would a metaphor or a myth. Thus, Heart Head West truly is a strong debut from a singer/ person looking for strength in the simplicities of life. For More Information On Lola Kirke And To Buy Heart Head West On August 10 Click Here.