On Lillimure’s self-titled debut LP, up-tempo jazz-hop splits meet conscious lyricism and sheer vocal finesse. It’s a fine blend of influences spanning a multitude of subgenres, culminating into the dense filling that fulfills a folk-pop shell. Shifting into a palpable groove, Lillimure comfortably fills the same shoes as other adept female songwriters of the time like Rachel Mazer, Lexi Todd, and Eloise. At the same time, a focus on classic, story-driven folk lyricism makes her feel like soul’s answer to Joni Mitchell—attempts at drawing comparisons to the utterly unique aside, it’s inarguable that she’s darn good and unapologetically NYC.
It’s all so bold for a 19-year-old artist who had never even considered songwriting as a career path until a gymnastics injury forced her to reassess her goals. Yet, perhaps the greatest lights come from unexpected places. Familiar and warm by means of experience in the stories that she tells, it’s immediately telling that Lillimure maintains a knowing beyond her years. Her musicality shines immediately, her self-titled LP being the place where her dream of live musicians playing on each track having come true. She shines throughout her first full studio experience, striking into a melange of lovely jazz tones on the magnificent ‘Wallflower’ and making for a positive rollick through the remaining eight tracks from there.
Other highlights include the subtle slow jam, ‘Lady in a Mirror’, which offers ample space for Lillimure to showcase her gorgeous lilt in a track that can still groove. She dishes out a convincing routine as a funk frontwoman on ‘WYDTM’ and saunters into a memorable bassline on ‘Something’, all tinged in that same persistent, infectious blend of urban and folk influences. Her music speaks to the streets of her city as well as they do to relate her personal stories to an audience. An impressive debut by all means, we’re excited to see where Lillimure heads next.
Words by: Jonathan Frahm