Which Way To Mexico?

Scout Niblett “Duke Of Anxiety”

The Calcination of Scout Niblett is a lonely and anguished sort of album, with most every track sounding like a very introverted woman going through some kind of public catharsis. “Duke of Anxiety” fits into the album nicely, but it’s also something of a reprieve, at least in that it’s more of a “pop” song than anything else on the record, and it seems like it’s coming from a different perspective than the other songs. The skeletal arrangement, bitter wit, and concrete details in the lyrics reminds me of early Liz Phair and her talent for sketching out characters in bleak vignettes that hint at larger narratives and deeper problems than what is being expressed in the song. Niblett’s frail, expressive voice is well-suited to giving voice to a desperate woman sinking into alcoholism, acting out, and considering some kind of escape from her circumstances. Every moment of this is heartbreaking, but there’s a few notes of optimism in here, even if it’s a bit misguided or delusional. That’s part of what makes it all feel so vivid and real.

You can read my review of The Calcination of Scout Niblett on Pitchfork today.

Buy it from Drag City.