Sometimes, things just seem to happen for a reason. This rings strikingly true for the solo career of Julien Baker. For years, Baker performed in bands, but when college took her four hours away, her need to continue creating found an outlet through solo work. The intent was never to make these songs her main focus, yet the process proved to be startlingly cathartic. As each song came into shape, it became more apparent that Baker had genuinely deep, surprisingly dark stories to tell from her thus far short life. Tales of her experiences are staggering, and when set to her haunting guitar playing, the results are gut wrenching and heartfelt, relatable yet very personal. There's something wonderfully hypnotizing about Baker gently confessing her soul with such tremendous honesty. To call this album a happy accident would be misleading as to the nature of these poignant, emotive songs. Thankfully, now the world will be able to share in her passion and sorrow.
