Lucy Dacus Lifts Spirits with Bus Back To Richmond / More Than Friends

Featured Image Credit - Carianne Older for Flood Magazine

Earlier this year, in the spring, Lucy Dacus released her fourth solo studio album, Forever Is A Feeling. It was a change of direction for Dacus, a step away from the ‘optimistic nihilism’ of past albums, and a step into unforgiving, all-encompassing romanticism. This resulted in, of course, a mixed reception. Yet, it may very well be her magnum opus - it’s raw, exposed, narrating what it feels like to be in love, and wholly at the mercy of another. 

It should come as no surprise, then, that the two singles Dacus has released at the beginning of August make an already heavenly piece of work, blinding in its holiness. Bus Back To Richmond / More Than Friends are simply angelic, multiple vocal layers make for an otherworldly experience, especially in headphones, and experimental keys on Bus Back To Richmond see a departure from Dacus’ usual safe use of traditional sounds. More Than Friends is a personal favourite on my end, romantic sun-filled folk - every Irish girl's fantasy. The lyrics on this track particularly stand out, laying a relationship bare on the operating table, dissecting its ugly truths, and loving it anyway.