Stuart Lawrence has delivered something truly special with his debut album, "ONE." From the moment the silky opening notes of the title track wash over you, it's clear this record is cut from a different cloth. The rich vocals glide effortlessly over arrangements that are affectionate, luscious, and serene - crafting a sound that is utterly unique yet comfortable like an old friend.
This "Indie Silk" genre, as Lawrence seems to be pioneering it, sprinkles elements of classic indie rock into lush, gorgeous soundscapes. Every element feels purposefully placed yet the result is breezy and relaxing, never stiff or overproduced. It's the kind of album that soothes your soul on a blustery day or supplies the perfect backing track for lazy evenings at home.
Standout tracks like the sensational "If I Stay" and "Jailkeeper Eyes" show off Lawrence's ability to pour raw emotion into songs without losing their silkiness. "If I Stay" quietly aches with melancholy longing, while "Jailkeeper Eyes" shines with joyous energy below its smooth surface. And harmonious numbers like "Questions" and "Screaming Blue Murder" surprise with their bolder rhythms, louder guitars, and complex drumming.
Elsewhere, songs like the reflective "Heart Might Break" find the middle ground between Lawrence's ballads and rockers. Throughout its fifty-five-minute journey, "ONE" transforms into its bespoke audible odyssey. As the opening refrain rings out, a sense of calm washes over the listener like a gentle tide. Each note floats by as leisurely as a cloud floating across the sky, yet leaves an impression as indelible as the swirling patterns carved into rock by the flow of a tranquil stream.
Stuart Lawrence is claiming a new subgenre he seems destined to define. This is just the beginning for the Industrial Silk pioneer. Start your own journey by streaming Stuart Lawrence's debut "ONE" today - you won't be disappointed by this gorgeously soothing 2023 Album of the Year. Stuart Lawrence delivers beat after beat with exquisite restraint, allowing each element to breathe within the mix. The result is akin to floating down a sensory deprivation tank, soothed by the relieving pulses and shimmers surrounding you.