KC Rae - ‘Think I’m Gonna Die’ review
KC Rae
It’s interesting, to say the very least, that the year we launch of our media company, featuring a magazine and a radio show, aligns with the return of some of my favorite artists—renowned for their sporadic releases—as they finally share new music. Among these artists is KC Rae, who released her debut solo album, Think I'm Gonna Die, on 10 November.
I first came across KC Rae, the solo moniker of Cacie “KC” Dalager, over a decade ago when a friend shared the self-produced EP, Neighbors, of Minneapolis’ Now, Now. Entranced by chugging fuzzy guitar and atmospheric builds, I’ve gladly over-indulged on every release from the band over the years. Now five years since their last album, this new release continues the trademark dreamy guitar sounds and atmospheric threads woven through all of KC Rae’s music. And I’m gladly lapping up every decadent moment.
Think I'm Gonna Die opens with “Happy”, a track I’ve been describing as a neurodivergent dream. Please put on your best headphones for this one. A spacious swell opens to a simple, yet crushing, drum track and…is that a plucked banjo? Mere seconds in and we’re carried over existential swirls while lyrics question our place through shrouded and haunting layers. My only issue is that this track isn’t longer. Rae has a magical ability to turn memories and thought into a musical texture that I’d happily live in for far longer. Of course we have to assume this songs brevity is no mistake, purposefully keeping us held within a moment of wondering.
The albums second track was also the second single, “Bathroom Floor”, released this summer and the only single to be accompanied by a video. This track feels comfortably familiar, which could be the in part the down-stroke picking common throughout Rae’s music, and could be in part the country-esque storytelling. For me, this song is a bridge between the music we’re accustomed to from Rae and the direction she’s heading. It could snugly fit in the lineup of "Saved," the last album from Now, Now, and equally find its place in this new phase of work. Which makes a lot of sense when we learn that Think I'm Gonna Die was conceptualised around 2018 and has actually been complete for nearly two years before its release.
Each song of the album is punctuated by the typical markers of Rae’s music in the drums and bass, played Bradley Hale, also of Now, Now. The third track, “Birthday”, features a more interesting and complex drum track, perhaps drawing a parallel between the songs rhythmic patterns and the toxic behavioural patterns of a significant other referenced in the lyrics.
“Shame” we’ve learned was the first track that propelled Rae’s desire to release this solo effort. It has all the pieces we love the most about her writing - chugging rhythm guitar drives behind a simple melodic line, acoustic strings from a guitar or mandolin, or both, dance over the top while wistful harmonies echo around us. But this time, we have a new layer, from this rich, steel guitar-like crying lead.
“Don’t Make Me Laugh” stands out as my favorite track on the album, and it might even be one of the best pieces crafted by KC Rae to date. Over the years, I’ve found that Rae has a unique talent for expressing the intricacies and complexities of emotion in a beautifully simple manner. On the surface, this track might seem simple, sweet, and dreamy if you're not paying attention. But a closer look beneath the acoustic guitar, twinkling mandolin and nostalgic piano textures reveals a hidden well of rage and helplessness.
These aren’t simply the emotions we conceal, they’re the emotions we can barely surface or actualise. KC Rae stands as one of the rare songwriters I've encountered who can adeptly articulate the anger that exists alongside sorrow and longing.
We move into two seemingly lighter tracks next, with “Blockbuster” and “10 Minutes”. “Blockbuster” was the first single and new music released by Rae, shared in April of this year, recounting a core memory from Rae’s past. A collage of childhood sweetness, it is the most heartwarming story within the LP. “10 Minutes” on the hand is probably the darkest lyrically, but supported by a bright soundscape that I suppose you could makes it the most dreamlike creation on the LP. While all Rae’s music has this nostalgic feel, this song is like the soundtrack behind the cheery showreel of memories we play in our minds.
We’re talking about every track on this record, but we have to talk about “Hymn”. A tonally distinct and unique track, this is where etherial Gregorian chant meets Japanese koto, but with banjo. Rae has never released anything even remotely like it. There isn’t much I can say beyond expressing appreciation for the experimentation and artistry. It stands in near total juxtaposition to the rest of the album in a deeply stunning way.
Feelings of sorrow return with the album’s closer, “Parking Lot”. This is a very, very close favourite. The darkest and most atmospheric of the three single releases, “Parking Lot” builds begins with simple guitar and builds throughout before culminating in a fuzzy guitar wall of sound. Rae says of the song, “‘Parking Lot’ is about the feeling of being held captive by someone else’s rage. Then the song concludes with the realization that I can take my power back.” The only thing I can think to add is that I desperately hope to see it played lived, if only for that 45 second release that closes the album.
There are no weak players in Think I'm Gonna Die. Every track occupies its own space gracefully and harmonises exceptionally well collectively. Thought it’s already been out for a month, I write this review with the earnest hope that others will find and experience the richness of KC Rae's work. And that hopefully, we’ll be seeing more from her soon.
We love it.
Think I’m Gonna Die from KC Rae is out now via self release on Ambient Inks, digital download via Bandcamp and available on all good streaming platforms.
