LEEDS: Irish Centre

Thursday 19th May, 2022

7:30pm

Event information

Weaves together unflinching autobiography with assimilated experience and hard-won observations from the past few years, Julien Baker’s capacity for storytelling has reached new heights. Her new album also marks a sonic shift, with the songwriter's intimate piano and guitar arrangements newly enriched by bass, drums, keyboards, banjo, and mandolin.

"With [‘Little Oblivions’] she scales her music up to larger spaces, backed by a full rock band with ringing guitars and forceful drums. But she doesn’t hide behind them; she’s still ruthless and unsparing, particularly about herself." NEW YORK TIMES

"Unruly, complex, and gorgeous." THE NEW YORKER

The Observer ****
“Where her previous records tiptoed, Little Oblivions stomps on effects pedals. Album opener Hardline builds up into a breaker of pent-up instrumentation for Baker’s voice to surf”

Uncut 8/10
"Everything on Little Oblivions will make you feel, and it's the catharsis we all need"

Loud and Quiet 7/10
"12-track personal, uncontrived masterpiece that is simple in it’s wording but emotionally complex in its creation. This album has recast Julien Baker from a popular indie-folk singer to one of the best artists of her time"

Line of Best Fit
“Maintaining the conversational vocal delivery that made Sprained Ankle and Turn Out The Lights so intimate, Little Oblivions finds Baker taking on a more kaleidoscopic sound. Self-produced and unyielding, an assortment of instruments - drums, synthesizers, banjo, and mandolin - produce a backdrop for Baker to meditate on personal experiences.”