Emily Masson is an artist who not only brings fantastically emotional and enticing vocals to the table — she also offers incredible songwriting, and not many artists can do both. On lost at home, we’re treated to an intimate acoustic rock experience, driven prominently by Masson’s evocative singing and guitar passages. She has such a devastatingly delicate voice. I’m a real sucker for gentle, intimate singing, and Emily is operating in her wheelhouse when it comes to that vocal style. For instance, on “lost at home,” the album’s self-titled opener, she croons effortlessly over a warm and enveloping chord progression. I love her vocal harmonies too — there’s such a soothing essence to her aesthetic.
“spiraling up” is a haunting follow-up track. There’s a somber quality to the chord progression of the flanger-driven electric guitar progression on this dark and brooding track. I absolutely adore the bass guitar on this song; it’s so fantastically mixed, and the infectious groove adds a strong underpinning element to the tune — it really complements Masson’s vocals. I also enjoy the juxtaposition on this song; the bright and bubbly choruses contrast beautifully against the dark and foreboding tone of the verses that introduce us to the song. There’s a classic energy to this track; it brings to mind a bygone aesthetic of country and folk music that’s desperately absent from today’s music scene.
“become the one” is a lush and slightly seductive song. I loved the lush qualities of this song. Masson’s intimate vocals sound right at home. There’s a late 60’s type of energy that comes from this tune. It’s the type of song I imagine a lot of people will like. “her every way” is an almost eight minute song and the centerpiece of the album. Masson and company play into their strengths here. I recommend pouring yourself a glass of wine and letting this song take you away. Another standout track is “life begins again feat. AJ Fullerton” which is subdued and also one of the more emotive songs in the batch. It felt very comforting to me and thought the dynamics as well as the delivery was spot on. As the album continues I was continually impressed by the musicianship. “why not ask why” and “mother nature cries” were other high points but I can’t say anything felt like a swing and a miss.
“our eyes are wide” is another haunting rock number that I thoroughly enjoyed. The plodding beat, sinister finger-picked electric guitar progression, and sharply distorted lead guitar all combine to create an intoxicating dark belter. Once again, of course, Emily Masson’s vocals steal the show. I truly love how easy-breezy she comes across; it gives me the same sort of feeling as late-eta Joni Mitchell. There’s an elegance to her fragile, forlorn performance. And then there’s the joyous closer “when we’re eighty” which is Masson’s final reminder that she can traverse numerous emotional styles in her music; I love the twangy, high-fretted guitar chord progression and frantic beat on this fun, dance-worthy climax to a wonderful album.
Garth Thomas