Let’s all admit two things: 1. Alanis Morrissette was our favorite.  2. Her angsty jams got old and we got over it. What then did we like about Alanis that we love about Lachi’s self titled release?  Cool, clever songs, an excellent voice, jazzy melody structures, and those big harmony laced chorus parts. (The same ones that had you singing Jagged Little Pill two sentences ago) Lachi holds some of that bitter and socio-political focus that Alanis or Ani favor, but she doesn’t milk it like they did. I’m fairly certain that her band is better, she herself is a better musician, and her self-titled record is an excellent piece of concise songwriting with a positive spin and a bunch of talent to back it up.

Lachi is visually impaired, as is the backing band on this record and live, a thoroughly impressive bit of trivia no doubt. The record would be outstanding regardless, but this serves rather useful in some of the songwriting on the record. “Emo Children” hints back to social outcasting in her cross-eyed childhood and there are hints at visual impairment or surrounding social behavior sprinkled throughout the album. The songs still retain a generally positive message.  For the most part it’s bright, poppy, jazzy, piano driven rock type stuff. Lachi is an excellent piano player and the songs come equipped with a lot of big piano parts both intricate and highly supportive of the songs complete vision. The band walks a thin line between basic singer-songwriter support and impressive instrumentalists, mostly leaving room for Lachi, but occasionally carrying the songs into piano rock territory ala Something Corporate or prog-breakdown where it’s appropriate. Look for pop-rock goodness on “Funny Girl” or prog influence on “See No Evil.” Largely, you’ll find plenty of upbeat rhythm, good clean, drum work, and a lot of those vocal hooks that will get you singing along or at least bouncing along.

This album reminds us of those angsty girls and carves out a new place in our ears for more positive songwriting. Keep the cool vocal hooks, sharp rhythms, big piano sound, and some rock guitars to bring about a great record. Lachi adds a whole lot of musical talent, unconventional prog-rock and jazz influence, even scat singing, beneath positive pop songs to make a truly excellent record.

More about Lachi:

The self-titled album, which will be released by Fanatic Records/EMI, captures the songstress’s knack for blending hauntingly honest and personal lyrics with breezy, appealing melodies. Lachi’s alluring vocals are complemented by her command of the piano. “Since I was four, my piano has been my escape,” Lachi explains.

The album is a long-awaited release from Lachi, who has been performing throughout the Northeast and New York City since 2007. Legally blind and supported by blind band members, Lachi’s sociopolitical and poignant lyrics are often inspired by the stigmas of life’s trials and tribulations.

With showcases at SxSW, CMJ, the IndieGrrl Conference, and appearances on NPR, CBS Radio’s Artistfirst Network and the CW Morning News, Lachi and her band consistently receive impressive reviews and significant college, community and online radio coverage. Lachi has also shared the stage with notable acts such as Patti LaBelle, Petra Haden and Fred Armisen.