Holly Lerski - Sweet Decline (2024) Hi Res

Holly Lerski’s ‘Sweet Decline’ works hard to capture lingering moments of inspiration as part of a post-relationship healing process.

It’s an observational album built round an American road trip that starts in Chicago and finds an emotional equilibrium on the West Coast in general and Big Sur in particular.

And as she immerses herself in startling scenery, literary history and people, her songwriting process gathers momentum in a confessional and story telling style, subtly framed by multi-instrumentalist Matthew Roley’s intuitive production.

The duo build a lattice of drifting tonal colours, nuanced strings, rhythmical variety and enough cool textures to tap into the feeling of wide open spaces.

The frequent combination of an acoustic wash, significant percussion and SistaStrings arrangements give the music the ability to carry an emotional moment.