US composer and musician Lauren HOFFMAN started out as a major label artist back in the late 1990’s, but from where her history as an artist has been taking her it would appear that she is one of the myriad of artists that either didn’t get what she hoped from that experience or that her brief visit into the halls of possible household name stardom was less than pleasant. She’s mainly been an independent artist following this, and a few years back she started working with the band The Secret Storm. “Family Ghost” is her latest studio album. It is the first full length album released in collaboration with this band, and was released at the start of 2017.

I do not know what life has done with Lauren Hoffman, but if the material on this album is anything to go by she has had her fair share of challenges both self-inflicted and provided by fate. The lyrics of the song The Dragon one case in point, which may or may not be an allegorical description about infatuation, love and being burned and scarred as the result of that. And as stated in another song, a quote also found on her Facebook page: “You’re a little bit damaged, I’m a sucker for that”.

The sadness, darkness and longing that may or may not be aspects of her persona are explored in a short and concise album of the kind that probably will leave many slight mystified. The arrangements and supplemental instrument details provides a vast array of details to be lost in, and in this day and age where the greater majority of music we encounter is finely distilled to meet a specific and narrow audience, encountering an artist that appears to create a statement in album form saying to hell with it might just be a difficult experience for those without a deep interest in music in general.

By and large I’d say that the core foundation of this production as far as style is concerned revolves around the contemporary singer/songwriter tradition. Material that could easily be performed by a singer with either acoustic guitar or piano as the sole instrument, and I’d hazard a guess that many of the songs were created in this manner too. A certain touch of Americana is something of a mainstay flavor throughout as I experience this production, albeit perhaps in a more subtle manner. Certain details in the lead vocals, melody lines and harmonies explored and used, some instrument details here and there. Rarely in an up front and dominant manner, more as a steady accompanying, subservient aspect of the compositions.

The arrangements developing are the ones that may come across as challenging for listeners though. The liberal use of violin and cello, often used to create ghostly and even ominous moods, at the most dramatic creating something of an American Gothic feel to the songs. In a dark and more contemporary manner at that, more like the TV-series and less like the painting, if you catch my drift. Occasional forays into sensual, jazz-tinged landscapes is a part of the game too, and on opening cut Don’t Look Back there are certain moments that made me think more about grunge than a singer/songwriter type of song as well. That some of the songs also takes on something of a dark psychedelic sheen is probably not all that surprising given the descriptions made so far I guess, perhaps more of a surprise is that there are a couple of tracks with more of a straight forward pop/rock orientation present, even if explored with a twist or two.

Those fond of dark melancholic material that operates out from an arguable singer/songwriter tradition and ventures out into landscapes of a more eclectic and art-oriented nature should find this latest production courtesy of Lauren Hoffman to be a rewarding experience. Her vocals, subtly sharp, sultry and with a certain naive touch at times suits these landscapes perfectly, as does her often emotional laden delivery. A certain taste for atmospheres with more of a haunting, ominous touch to them will probably be required however, as this is far from a straight forward, mainstream oriented production.

My rating: 80/100

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Track list:    
Don’t Look Back; Feel It All; Let the Waves Crash On Me; Sick With Love; In the Sun; I Just Broke Up With a Guy Who Kinda Looks Like You; Family Ghost; Fast Lane; Broken; The Dragon; Till It Lasts