Thea Gimore has always had something to say. Her often outspoken views have added a fire to her already passionate song writing. It has resulted in many mixed reactions. Liejacker arrives ten years after her debut album and it will no doubt divide opinion.
Thea is still the younger side of thirty, but is now married and a recent mother and there is a sense of time passing within the tracks. Somehow though I feel that it would be a mistake to make such an easy connection between these facts and the songs contained within the album. Even though both are life changing the shift would appear to be deeper than either. This appears to be an intensely personal album that has evolved following a time of self reflection and analysis.
Certainly her lyrics are as poetic as ever and yet they are less fiery, less direct, and more measured. Whilst, I am sure, she still stands justifiably firm beside her songs from the past there seems to be a more reflective and less confrontational approach on Liejacker.
Her previous albums have made it impossible to sit on the fence. This is, of course, one of her strongest qualities. If something needs saying, she says it, and never hedges it. However in this latest album there is a prevailing sense of maturity, less anger, less frustration, less opinion to divide.
That is not to say that it is a watered down album. Far from it and tracks such as "The Lower Road", and “Black Letter” with their dark, sad, moody, melancholy confirm this. Her totally honest conviction still permeates throughout. It makes any release by her worthy of careful attention. For example: “Roll On” still has a lot to say, but it is how it is said that is somehow different.
Thea Gilmore has been heralded a national gem in the U.K. since making her first appearance. She has received many glowing reviews and attracted the attention of many who have become vociferous supporters. For various reasons sales haven’t always reflected this. Hopefully Liejacker will go someway toward helping to restore that balance.
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