It’s been less than a year since we last heard of Jessica Vaughn’s LACES with an awesome single called “Girlfriend”, and as good as that song was, we’re frying a much bigger fish today, because LACES has a new album out, and it’s called “Super Weirdo”. “Super Weirdo” is the LP debut of LACES, so there’s a lot riding on it -with some leeway- and as far as first albums go, it is everything you’d want and maybe even a little more. On the one hand, this collection of songs is a bit eclectic on a thematic level, but that much is something to be expected of a first album. on the other hand, Jessica’s long career and songwriting experience does come through in her songwriting and the confidence of her sound, this is of course someone with tons of experience both live and recording, someone who doesn’t feel like they have to prove anything to anyone -themselves least of all-and that makes for a listening experience that feels a lot like settling into a comfortable and familiar spot with a band you’ve known for years. Yes it is new, yes it is exciting, but at no point is “Super Weirdo” hoping that something sticks to the wall. The name of the album comes from Track #2. This song is dedicated to all the weirdos who make Jessica’s most beloved friend circle, what it is. In her own words, “Super Weirdo” is the anti-hero, anything but ordinary or basic PLEASE…anthem. I wrote it for all my friends who will never fully be “adult”, are a little left of center, and proudly wave their freak flag”.I think that by taking this as the true starting point of the album, we can better understand what LACES set out to achieve: A little bit of humor, a little bit of vulnerability, and a dash of highly creative scatter-brainedness that is -nonetheless- expertly polished and cohesive. If there’s a running Theme with “Super Weirdo” , it is the self-reflection of a fellow “weirdo”. A look at the fun and unconventional part of life without shying away from the darkness and the trauma.LACES’ debut album is through and through a relatable therapeutic experience in which the highs and lows are given equal importance. With tracks such as “Say”, “Underdog” and “Lost in Wherever” we get to savor some of the bitterness that built a lot of Vaughn’s character, whereas with songs like “Girlfriend” and “Jersey Shore” we get to sample the other side of that, either the benefits reaped from the struggle for self-love or the sweeter memories that always inform your personality from across time and distance. Another song that celebrates weirdness is The New Radicals’ cover, “Get What You Give”. The song obviously means a lot to Jessica Vaughn, so much so that putting it on her debut LP as LACES was a priority. She describes it as a very important song in her life, saying: “I’ve followed Gregg Alexander’s career closely and I’ve always believed we are kindred spirits. He embodies a “super weirdo” to me and this song has kept me going in dark moments. It made perfect sense to honor my 90s inspired album by covering this epic 90s track.” LACES didn’t do it all alone though, this album has the shining presence of Butch Walker in “Almost Happy”, Molly Miller in “Thirsty” Archie Faulk. These tracks are amazing, but for me personally, it’s gotta be “Almost Happy” that takes the cake, it’s quite possibly my favorite song in the album and the one that captures the nostalgic 90s-inspired the best in my opinion. It also helps that it's got the catchiest hook and a short but sweet guitar solo to punch it all up.
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PHOTO CREDIT: SHARI HOFFMAN
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