Laura Veirs has revealed the details of her 11th solo album: it’s called My Echo and will come out through Bella Union on October 23. She says that “It’s my ‘my songs knew I was getting divorced before I did’ album,” referencing the dissolution of her marriage with her partner and producer Tucker Martine, which was finalised around the time the album was being mixed.
The first song to be shared from My Echo is “Burn Too Bright”, which isn’t necessarily one of the divorce-focused songs, with Veirs saying: “This one messed with me for a long time and I almost gave up on it – but I’m glad I persevered because this is one of my favorite tracks on the new album. The song was inspired by the passing of the great NW producer and musician Richard Swift. I didn’t know him personally but he was a close friend to many in my community and I admire his artistry a lot. His death got me thinking about people who seem to ‘burn too bright’ for this world. The song is dedicated to the many bright, artistic and heroic souls who have sadly left this plane too soon.”
“Burn Too Bright” may tackle a poignant topic, but Veirs opts to remember the passionate living person that these beings were before their demise with an energetic rocker. Driving guitar-pop is augmented by wreaths of violins, which give the song a stately structure, while Veirs’ voice coasts dreamily atop. By the finale of “Burn Too Bright” the violins have become the focal point, beautifully expressive as they lift the song heavenwards.
My Echo boasts features from Jim James, Bill Frisell, Karl Blau, Matt Ward and others, and it’s coming out on October 23 via Bella Union/Raven Marching Band. You can find Laura Veirs on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
