Trailblazer is the sound of Lola Kirke finding her voice

Initially, Kirke started as an actor in the likes of Gone Girl and Mistress America in the 2010s, as well as an upcoming role in Ryan Coogler’s Sinners (her sister Jemima is also an actor). Alongside her work as an actor, she has released a string of LPs that have successfully skirted pop and country. A fitting endeavour since music is in Kirke’s DNA (her father Simon, drummer for iconic bands Free and Company). Now, Kirke returns with her third full-length LP Trailblazer. Written alongside her recently released debut book Wild West Village, which charts her somewhat dysfunctional upbringing in London and New York, and initial career as an actor, and her journey to Nashville and country music.

Produced by GRAMMY-winning writer/producer Daniel Tashian who has previously worked with country stars like Kacey Musgraves. Alongside this Kirke assembled a team of elite Nashville songwriters including Liz Rose, Natalie Hemby, Ashley Monroe and Caitlin Rose. All of this adds a certain level of sheen and polish to the project so the question is how does it hold up?

It’s clear immediately that Kirke is incredibly comfortable within the country genre, sounding naturally at home both within her vocals and the themes and lyrics of the record. The title track is a strong way to kick things off, built around Kirke’s vocals that impress across the board. Tashians’ influence is plain to hear, building a familiar sound.

“Easy On You” feels like an instant classic with a catchy pop chorus and again spotlighting Kirke’s strong vocals. There is a luxurious, warm feeling to it. It is easy to picture this on a glorious summer day. Again the production and instrumentation really captures the feeling of Nashville.

“241s” is more stripped back built around Kirke’s vocals and jangly guitar riffs. Rather than simply imitating the likes of Kacey Musgraves it feels like Kirke is building a voice of her own here. As with the rest of the album it is rooted in her own experiences as she sings about a broken down relationship “That’s what 241s are for make believing I’m still yours”

“Marlboro Lights & Madonna” injects more energy with a pounding drumbeat throughout, skewing closer to rock than some of the previous pop-flavoured tracks. This track takes us through Kirke’s childhood, with the title referring to memories of her mother. One of the strengths of this track and the album is how Kirke is able to balance her deeply felt storytelling into a recognisable, polished country sound.

The lead single “Hungover Thinkin”, co-written with Liz and Caitlin Rose is rooted in wry humour as Kirke ruminates on decisions made while drinking and hazy recollections. This is one of the most fun tracks on the album, easy to relate to for anyone who has had panicked after a heavy night. It offers a different side to both Kirke’s sound and songwriting but nonetheless impressive.

“Raised by Wolves” is a soaring anthemic track that really takes flight. It is one of the most energetic on the record, more straightforward perhaps but hard to resist. Kirke has described the album as a little bit country and a little bit rock n roll and this track certainly captures the rock n roll feeling in spades.

Trailblazer is a collection of ten tracks that are deeply personal to Lola Kirke, showcasing her growth as a musician and the strength of the collaborative unit she’s formed for this particular LP. You can hear how invested she is in the project and its deep personal roots for her, exploring her journey in a fun, reflective manner. Tashian’s production really makes this sound like an accomplished achievement and Kirke’s voice feels right at home, able to adapt to changes in style from slower, contemplative tracks to more out-and-out rock 'n' roll numbers.