“I write about my life, and my perspective of the
world surrounding me. My songs are more local than global, but the themes are
universal,” the Austin-based artist shares.
Lehman’s musical experiences began like most,
singing and performing in school but it was when she hit college
that she really took to the craft, meeting a gifted guitar teacher, engaging in
songwriting head on, and finding a community of singer-songwriters that she
could connect with and learn from, drawing her deep into the folk music scene.
And those experiences, combined with her keen talent
for both songwriting and singing, have led the artist to some of the highest
thrones of the Austin music world, seeing her perform on such legendary stages
as Antone's, The Cactus Cafe, The Parish, Cheer Up Charlies, and the Mohawk
while also having the opportunity to travel and open for Gregory Alan Isakov at
George's Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville, Arkansas. She’s already recorded a
solo EP, performed with The Blackwells, and now finds herself fronting her own
collective, Carry Illinois.
The band draws from a different palette than Lehman’s
more traditional folk leanings, opting for a more indie rock vibe that leans
heavily on Americana flavors. Joined by fellow musicians Nick Droz on bass, Rudy
Villarreal on drums, and Darwin Smith on guitar, Lehman and company invoke the
inspirations of singer-songwriters like Carole King, Brandi Carlisle, and Joni
Mitchell while putting their own unique spin to things, delivering five
stirring tracks on their debut EP, Siren.
“Weakest Limb” gets things off to a strong start, an
ominous and dark tone coloring the track, and the better part of the EP, with
solid, thudding drumbeats and a moody guitar line running throughout as Lehman’s
voice is haunting, contrasting uniquely with the surprisingly hope-filled lyric
at its conclusion. The title track follows hard after, a beat pulsing like a
heartbeat opening things up with Lehman’s electronically distorted vocals
carrying the track forward. An industrial meets folk arrangement unfolds,
distorted elements melding with smooth and soulful strings in an instrumental
jam that is at once unsettling and engaging.
Lehman’s folk leaning make themselves known on the
lighter feeling “Jackson Square,” her vocal soaring above a plucky banjo line
and brooding guitar while “Nothing to Despise” brings together the best of both
worlds. More banjo fills provide texture throughout the track while Lehman
employs more vocal distortion, giving her voice even more texture, as the track
layers itself with atmospheric guitar work. “Good Farewell” provides the EP a
perfect ending, acoustic guitar and Lehman’s stark voice leading forward,
accented by just the right touches from her band. It’s a track that reminds one
of the darker tracks brought forward by the Man in Black and that is high
praise indeed.
And Carry Illinois’ Siren EP is a collection of songs that more than earns its praise
in spades. Lehman and company deliver nuanced, layered textures of sound that
honor the traditions of folk, Americana, and rock while combining them all at
the same time into a musical gumbo that is good for the soul. Dark, brooding,
yet also uplifting, Carry Illinois’ Siren
EP is one you won’t want to miss.
