The sun sets on youth

American artist Alaska Reid, known for her electronic and country-influenced indie rock sound, has just released Disenchanter, her newest album since the release of Big Bunny in 2020. Disenchanter is an emotional, narrative experience which speaks to the feeling of growing and moving on from important times in our lives.

“French Fries,” the opening track, sets the tone for the rest of the album and carries some of Reid’s iconic sound. It begins with a slow acoustic sound, something associated with Reid’s “mountain pop,” but quickly adapts to include a faster-paced rock sound that still carries some acoustic and indie noise. The track is nostalgic, reminiscing on sisterly ties, while recognizing that “we’ve grown apart now.” This feeling of nostalgia that acknowledges things have changed is consistent through the entirety of the record.

“Dogs & Girls,” a quieter piece, highlights Reid’s vocal performance with guitar harmonics repeating in the background and gradually growing to an intense and distorted soundscape. “She Wonders” features discordant drum beats and a humming guitar riff that links Reid’s historically punk music to her present-day sound. “Leftover” carries the narrative theme of the album from its first line, “wash this city off my back” and plays out as a quiet, thoughtful track which reminisces on the highs and lows of youth as a plucky guitar and drums reinforce Reid’s vocals.

“Palomino” features a discordant instrumental background, with drums and guitar over eccentric electronic notes as Reid sings about doubt in a relationship. “Back To This,” the first single to be released before Disenchanter’s arrival, is a light, homey and atmospheric track with shining synths which sounds like being in a daydream.

“Arctic Heart” serves as another example of Reid’s songs that make for a quieter and melancholy musical experience, with repetitive distorted guitars and echoey, soft vocals. “Always” shifts the tone rather abruptly, from the quiet slowness of “Arctic Heart” into its own upbeat, faster-paced beat. An electronic background tune sounds almost like an 8-bit video game track, layered with a drumbeat and whining guitar riffs as Reid sings contrastingly cynical lyrics.

“Seeds” is another track that carries a wistful energy, which features Reid’s near-whisper vocals over a quiet, guitar-strumming instrumental. “Airship” brings the album to a close as Reid sings about being “Far away from my paved LA teens / Or the fresh water creeks filled with horse piss and elk teeth,” acknowledging in full the distance from the past and youth.

Disenchanter is an album which recognizes Reid’s growth as an artist. While paying homage to some of her older stages by reflecting upon them and incorporating some of their elements into the album, Disenchanter emphasizes how much Reid has changed and its narrative speaks to anyone who may find themselves reflecting upon their younger selves.