Mitski never ceases to excite me as an artist. For someone who has an incredible plethora of music in their discography, it always amazes me how every time she releases a project, Mitski is somehow able to continue to remain fresh and original despite her years of previous output. For many fans, it’s always a worry that some musicians may one day burnout when it comes to their song writing, but for Mitski this is never something I think I’ll ever find myself wondering.
Mitski is truly masterful at what she does and deserves all the recognition she gets for her absurd amount of talent and musical skill. Her previous works have proved to be some of this generation’s greatest examples of indie-rock and pop and this album has been no exception to that rule.
Her newest full-length project, The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We, showcases just how far Mitski has matured with her genre-defining blend of alternative indie-rock and pop balladry. Mitski truly stands-out as a gem amongst the countless amount of indie artists who all unfortunately sound very alike nowadays.
Mitski makes conscious decisions not to overcrowd her tracks with unnecessary filler, only adding the finer detail where it’s needed, making her songs sound perfectly complete while never being too saturated with ideas. She allows instrumentals to speak for themselves, giving them space to shine and flourish within tracks. Especially with one of my favourites from this album ‘Buffalo Replaced’, which features synth strings and twinkling piano additions that feel so appropriately placed between her angelic verses.
‘Heaven’ is yet another incredible track, which presents Mitski’s undeniable capability to fit cohesively within any instrumental. While many artists sound as though they’ve simply popped their vocals over the top of whatever their producer’s emailed over to them, Mitski always fits snug within the warmth of her music. “Heaven” is lively and cinematic throughout and features genius twists that kept me entertained during multiple listens, rewarding listeners with a satisfying conclusion which sounds almost like the end to a Disney film.
Admittedly, some songs don’t totally blow me away, but that’s not to say that they are at all bad or that they even take away from the brilliant experience that Mitski has built here. I just won’t be listening to ‘When Memories Snow’ as much as I would ‘I’m Your Man’ or ‘My Love Mine All Mine’.
Mitski is the queen of contrast with her vocal delivery; she has a distinct ability to create both helpless vulnerability and domineering power simply through her voice. In the lead up to this release, I was really hoping to find tracks that would showcase the beauty and vulnerability that I’ve come to adore about her voice. It’s safe to say that songs like ‘My Love Mine All Mine’ have scratched that itch for me, and will definitely be staying in my “songs I wish I wrote” playlist.
After multiple listens, I’ve found that this album is best listened to by itself, with no distractions. Immerse yourself here, because it is truly worth it. It’s a listening experience that I have honestly not had with an album in a very long time, and it really deserves your utmost attention.
I’m yet to be disappointed with a project that Mitski’s released thus far. I look forward to seeing how she’ll continue to mature her sound and evolve as an artist, with this project’s 30+ minute runtime, any indie fan will be sure to find something to love here.
8/10