Choices matter and Mitski takes a step back to bring clarity upon where her choices left her. Whether it’s in the arms of intimacy or in a moment of questioning the commitment she’s feeling trapped in, she finds a way to express feelings of solitude in the most haunting way.
A cold wind breezes by skin and a chill wakes you up. Mitski’s new album The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We brings a chilling theme of reflection, a look into her past commitments, solitude, and intimacy.
Prior to the album's release on September 15, anticipation came as a music video for "Bug Like an Angel" set the stage for what's to come. While followed by the release of "Heaven" and "The Star," the album set high expectations for the singer's new album.
Letters for my lover
Soft guitar notes accompanied by Mitski’s signature soothing voice lulls listeners into the first song of the album, “Bug Like an Angel”. The song depicts the artist’s current state in life with a drink as her constant companion as she takes a moment to reflect on buried decisions and shattered vows. Alternating between solo notes and choir vocals, the artistry of the tune emphasizes the disparity between loneliness and solitude.
Continuing on the theme of loneliness, “My Love Mine All Mine'' depicts it from an angle of love gone yet persevering. The artist’s somber plea to the moon is an ode to all who have loved in fear of losing– hoping their love outlasts them. The silent resignation to loss in love is overcome by the desire to persevere; the quiet accompaniment highlights the clear vocals creating a heartbreakingly personal track.
As love morphs, the moon hides and the dust settles in “The Frost” leaving the artist in its wake. The ethereal musicality deepens with the longing of the lyrics and closes the song with its lyrics, “But you’re not here to see, It’s just witness-less me.” The song captures how haunting it is to be alone but devastating to be left in a memory.
Other songs heavily focus on the themes of commitment and regret, with "I'm Your Man" which bathes a dependent relationship in heavenly imagery. While "The Deal" and "When Memories Snow" continues a haunting imagery while both discussing commitments and how to cope with them.
From the heart I leave with you
The 11-track album lets Mitski’s musicality transform her ever so symbolic lyricism into a deeply-personal experience. Her lyrics may be shorter compared to her previous work, Laurel Hell, but this album continues to deliver the perfect amount of poetic justice to her storytelling.
While the album mostly features ballads, each has its own unique sound that effectively makes listening to the album easier without a twinge of a dull experience. Mitski continues to prove how a slow song can be just as interesting and addicting to listen to just like her faster-tempo tracks with the help of the right imagery and wit.
In the end, The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We is a memorable addition to Mitski’s discography known for its poetic yet relatable lyricism. The resonating vocals and sound of the album’s tracks hit close to the heart, painfully human painted in such a romantic manner.
Prepare a warm cup of tea and stay under your warmest covers with The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We available on all streaming platforms.
