Leerone’s “Imaginary Biographies”

Though called imaginary, it’s actually quite real.By Adam DistlerA&E Editor With an album titled Imaginary Biographies, you can easily assume that Leerone has compiled a musical anthology; thematically, each track has a story of its own to be discovered by the listener. As far as I’m considered, describing and writing about these imaginary biographies is far from imaginary; it is quite a real and touching album.The narrative of each and every song has an element of reality; it’s almost brutal realities that make the reader reflect upon and wish they were imaginary. The album starts out with a slow piano song called “To Fill the Void.” The piano styling hybridizes the nostalgia of Cold Play and the Beatles. Not only do the songs have depth, but Leerone’s vocals are completely raw and emotional, much like the great songstress Joni Mitchell. From the first track, Leerone gives a foretelling taste of the rest of the album.The tracks following are short and sweet with a bit of nostalgia. You can hear the subtle child’s toy piano amongst the layers of instrumentation, especially in “Happy+Homemade=” and “Care for Some Whiskey?” Her brutal commentary perseveres in “Junk/Peace of Mind,” which discusses the distraction of television and its ads with restlessness and anxiety. At points, Leerone’s voice resonates likes a saxophone, much like Cat Power.The middle of the album plateaus into a series of slow and  sullen songs accompanied by string quartet arrangements. Yet, I don’t feel that peaking with downbeat songs detracts from the experience at all; it helps establish Leerone’s voice. “Bring It On” and “Empty Houses” channels Fiona Apple for sultrier, piano heavy songs with rolling bass lines.Surprisingly, the final tracks of the album are some of the strongest. Oddly, the strongest track is a softer sounding song called “Share,” which has an arrangement and ambience like that of Sigur Rós. The combined piano and quartet produces an uplifting mood. It segues nicely into the equally ambient, “Knocking,” which features quieter noises before a the piano comes crashing through the middle of the song. It then resumes, quietly, and proceeds into the final track, “Life Could Be.” As the title suggests, the song ponders and reflects life; it introduces Leerone’s philosophy: “I don’t believe in anything that claims to be an answer.”Not only does Leerone create profound music, but she leaves us with a distinct impression in her lyrics. Listen to the album and discover for yourself whether or not her works are simply “Imaginary Biographies.”