A masterclass in storytelling.

Elizabeth & The Catapult embraces intimacy with understated production on Responsible Friend. Despite the sometimes unreliable outcomes, the album is through and through a beautiful, honest triumph. 

The first track, “Love You Still,” may be nice, but finds difficulty with retaining interest after so much repetition. Even the most captive of audiences would likely struggle to sit through listening to it multiple times. After the meager first impression, though, “Learning to Drive” starts to build momentum. Its amazing vocals and unique woodwinds add depth to the entire arrangement and excite listeners for what more Elizabeth & the Catapult might have in store. 

It’s ultimately track 3, “50/50” that really stands out amongst its competition. The storytelling in it is masterful, weaving together many different stories into a beautiful quilt of emotion and memory. A wonderful violin and piano medley make the song sound like a true masterpiece. 

The second that “Responsible Friend” begins playing, one immediately understands why it earned the album title of the same name. The song may seem light and pleasant but tells a gorgeous story of a heart-wrenching friendship and the blurred romantic lines within it. 

“When the Doctor Needs a Doctor” boasts some of the strongest vocals on the album. Soft, layered humming intertwined throughout the song makes it deeply personal and emotionally resonant. Contrastingly, “Goodbye Wisdom” struggles to maintain this momentum even despite its exciting experimental instrumentation. An instrument resembling something along the lines of a synth or organ of sorts adds a level of intrigue, especially in the song’s outro, that undoubtedly saves the whole song. 

“90 Years Young” is not going to be a hit for those looking for casual listening. It seems as if this song was destined for a soundtrack or jukebox musical rather than the eighth track of an alternative folk album. Track 9, “Lost Time,” is beautifully devastating, anchored by the poignant refrain, “I’ve aged a lifetime in the blink of an eye,” capturing the unique pain of trying to grasp at something you’ve lost once already. 

Responsible Friend works best when it’s balancing complexity and vulnerability, a talent that Elizabeth & the Catapult definitely exhibits, even if not all of the songs are particularly memorable. Overall, it’s an absolutely stunning album. The singing is never less than superb, and each song is thematically cohesive and deeply reflective.