Mitski's first two projects, released while she was studying music composition at SUNY Purchase, were recorded with a full orchestra. For Bury Me At Makeout Creek (the title is a quote lifted from a Simpsons episode), the Japanese-American artist trades in large string arrangements and piano for guitar and bass. Complementing the DIY indie rock/folk sound is Mitski's soul-baring lyrics, "cathartically revealing snapshots from her adventures in youth, and the empowerment found in sharing these stories with others." She perfectly captures deep-cutting sentiments of alienation, heartbreak, and loneliness. Check out "First Love / Late Spring," "Francis Forever," "Townie," Last Words of a Shooting Star," and "Carry Me Out."

• black vinyl pressing
• printed insert
• digital download included
• original release year: 2014
• music label: Dead Oceans 2020

reviewed by singing in japanese 02/2020