Full of understanding and complexity. 

The prolific artist, Teeny Lieberson, has released her first album under her artistic persona, Lou Tides. Lieberson has been prevalent in the music industry since the early 2010s, whether that be in her former alt-rock band TEEN or as a touring musician with Sleater-Kinney. 

Lieberson’s expertise with music is unbelievably evident with her new album, Autostatic! The sound she’s curated is crazy, infectious and inventive at the same time. It almost becomes completely genreless as the different songs switch between different sounds and scenes.

The album’s opener and lead single, “Low Wow,” lures the listener into a false sense of security. The static-filled guitar chords, pounding drums and throbbing bass create a classic nu-metal sound but Lieberson’s vocals and addictive lyrics somehow make the single so pop-y. Even with the deep vocal effects over Lieberson’s voice, the track is still inviting and shows Lieberson’s neverending creativity. “Low Wow” is a terrifying earworm that wants to infect the rest of your brain. A parasite that has one purpose: making you dance.

The album’s title track, “Autostatic!,” teeters on hypnosis. The instrumentations are otherworldly and the second half of the song is transcendent. The melodies are complex, yet digestible. It’s a summer anthem for a summer spent at warehouse raves and goth clubs. “Autostatic!” is a very fitting title track because it completely encompasses the feel of the album. 

Lieberson’s expertise doesn’t only surround pop, though. The next track, “I Understand It’s Spilled Milk” is hauntingly powerful. Lieberson starts with her siren-like vocals, luring the listener into a presumably sad, gutwrenching song. But instead, Lieberson completely turns the song on its head when these screeching instrumentals come out of nowhere! The song then slowly unravels into ghostlike taunting and screeching guitars. It’s a masterful show of production and musical depth. Bravo. 

Lieberson described the record as a ghost story, with each song telling its own tale. Lieberson uses these ghost stories not just as stereotypical cautionary tales but as ways to change herself and confront her past. The record is full of complex emotions and initially terrifying sounds but just like Lieberson, the listener is expected to embrace them. Because of Lieberson’s mastery, the record is very easy to love.

The album is full of amazing songs but “Map Maker” is a definite standout track from its lyricism alone. Over a pulsing club beat, Lieberson sings about finding sobriety and self love. Lieberson’s vocals soar over the beat like a god speaking to you in the middle of a packed nightclub. Where most good songs feel like the singer is speaking to you, Lieberson’s “Map Maker” feels like you’re floating above it all with her. 

Lieberson’s time in the industry has definitely allowed her to fully etch out her sound. Throughout the entire album, there is no question about who she is or what she wants to do. Every idea is expertly crafted and executed. 

Lou Tides is new to the world but Lieberson certainly isn’t. For the sake of music, let’s hope Lou Tides keeps making it.