Lush

Lindsey Jordan is on the brink of something huge, and she's only just graduated high school. Her voice rises and falls with electricity throughout Lush, her debut album as Snail Mail, spinning with bold excitement and new beginnings at every turn. Recorded with producer Jake Aron and engineer Johnny Schenke, with contributions from touring bandmates drummer Ray Brown and bassist Alex Bass as well, Lush sounds cinematic, yet still perfectly homemade.

"Is there any better feeling than coming clean?" sings the 18-year-old guitarist and songwriter halfway through the sprawling anthem that is "Pristine," the album's first single. You can't help but agree with her. It's a hook that immediately sticks in your head – and a question she seems to be grappling with throughout the record's 10-songs of crystalline guitar pop. Jordan's clear and powerful voice, acute sense of pacing, and razor-sharp writing cut through the chaos and messiness of growing up: the passing trends, the awkward house parties, the sick-to-your-stomach crushes and the heart wrenching breakups.

Jordan's most masterful skill is in crafting tension, working with muted melodrama that builds and never quite breaks, stretching out over moody rockers and soft-burning hooks, making for visceral slow-releases that stick under the skin.

1. Intro
2. Pristine
3. Speaking Terms
4. Heat Wave
5. Stick
6. Let's Find An Out
7. Golden Dream
8. Full Control
9. Deep Sea
10. Anytime