Elizabeth Mcbride

SCENIC, Elizabeth McBride's debut album, sounds triumphant–like staring down the barrel at hurt or pummeling fear to the ground. Originally from Edwardsville, IL, she studied music at Loyola University New Orleans, then moved to New York City where she wrote this album. 

     What began as teenage diary entries evolved into original songs on a $40 guitar her mom brought home from a flea market. In 2018, McBride’s mom attempted suicide and passed away months later. The loss was devastating. McBride spiraled into depression, dissociation and suicidal thoughts.

     That same year, Benjamin Lazar Davis (BLD), released his debut album Nothing Matters, becoming her most listened to artist of 2018. Two years later, she texted BLD for songwriting help. He admitted that from their first call, he knew they were going to make an album together.

     Ambitiously executed is a rare spectrum of sounds: A baroque fugue of woodwinds and ocean waves, Sabbath-style guitar greeting gritty guitar solos, shimmering flute and harp runs, zany Mellotron and Moog synths, birds singing to warmly paired banjo and nylon string guitar, live drums striding aside voluptuous bass clarinet, and pump organ with auto-tuned vocals. 

     This album of sync-worthy anthems, confessions of love and step-away-from-the-edge self-talks illustrates an unmercifully emotional landscape. These are inventions of healing for overcoming hardship, creating healthy relationships, and finding serenity in self love. There is intention to instill confidence in those who are suffering by illuminating their potential. Here’s empathy. Here’s a key to find meaning; to thrive. It’s not about being sad and lost, but happy and found.