On Laura Stevenson’s 2013 album Wheel she used concise, sincere lyrics and uplifting melodies to spin a complex web of her anguish and fears. With three albums under her belt, she’s mastered the challenging task of writing about personal and sometimes frightening experiences that warmly invite listeners and hint at a light at the end of the tunnel. This fall, she’s releasing her fourth record out on Don Giovanni Records called Cocksure. Her straightforward yet wry attitude leaps out the album’s new single “Torch Song.” In the past, she’s channeled folky, twangy sounds, but full blown pop punk guitars open this track. Playing off this idea of torch songs dedicated to lost, unrequited loves, she insists, “It’s a touchstone / But you don’t like to be touched / I don’t like your tone / I don’t like you that much.” Even as she sings about bleeding fingers and backs being turned on and at her, there are sparks of joy running throughout this song at the prospect of Stevenson overcoming relatable heartbreak and emerging victorious.
Cocksure is out October 3 on Don Giovanni. Pre-order here.
Laura Stevenson tour dates:
October
14 Washington, DC @ Rock & Roll Hotel
15 Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle
16 Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade
17 Jacksonville, FL @ 1904 Music Hall
18 Tampa, FL @ New World Brewery
19 Orlando, FL @ The Social
21 New Orleans, LA @ House Of Blues Lounge
22 Houston, TX @ Rudyards
23 Dallas, TX @ Gas Monkey Bar & Grill
24 Austin, TX @ The North Door
26 Phoenix, AZ @ The Rebel Lounge
28 San Diego, CA @ The Casbah
29 Los Angeles, CA @ Echo
30 San Luis Obispo, CA @ SLO Brewing Co.
31 Sacramento, CA @ Harlow’s
November
01 San Francisco, CA @ Rickshaw Stop
03 Seattle, WA @ Tractor Tavern
04 Portland, OR @ Dante’s
06 Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court
07 Denver, CO @ Hi-Dive
09 Des Moines, IA @ Vaudeville Mews
10 St. Paul, MN @ Turf Club
12 Chicago, IL @ Subterranean
13 Nashville, TN @ The High Watt
14 Akron, OH @ Musica
17 Columbus, OH @ Rumba Cafe
18 Philadelphia, PA @ The Foundry @ Fillmore
19 Boston, MA @ Middle East Downstairs
20 Kingston, NY @ BSP Kingston
21 New York, NY @ Webster Hall Marlin Room
