Lizzy McAlpine - Older

Basking in the afterglow of a viral hit can be a double-edged sword. Lizzy McAlpine knows this all too well. After the unexpected success of 'Ceilings' from her second album 'Five Seconds Flat', she found herself questioning her artistic direction. Fast forward to 'Older', her latest offering, and McAlpine sheds the skin of expectation, crafting a deeply personal album that prioritises authenticity over chasing trends.

'Older' is a marked departure from the folk-pop leanings of 'Five Seconds Flat'. Gone are the airy soundscapes; in their place, a richer tapestry of instrumentation unfolds. String sections and piano flourishes paint a more dynamic backdrop, while McAlpine's vocals soar with newfound confidence. The stripped-down ballads, however, retain a sense of intimacy, showcasing the raw vulnerability in her songwriting.

Thematically, 'Older' delves into the complexities of navigating your twenties. Tracks like 'Drunk, Running' explore the emotional toll of codependency, while 'Broken Glass' confronts the aftermath of emotional abuse with unflinching honesty. McAlpine doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of this life stage, crafting lyrics that resonate with a raw honesty that's both relatable and refreshing.