Adrianne Lenker, best known for her work as the lead singer of Big Thief, released her newest track “Ruined,” the first single from her upcoming album, last week. Lenker’s solo work is usually bare bones, consisting of her soft voice and a finger-picked guitar at the forefront of the song, allowing listeners to focus on her exquisite songwriting. Her last album, songs, was recorded to tape, and each song was improvised, in a cabin in Massachusetts. Adrianne sang from a place of pain, and this passion matched with the surrounding environment, produced very powerful and raw songs.
Adrianne has put down the guitar for “Ruined,” and instead chooses to sing over a somber piano. The track feels desolate and despairing, describing the aftermath of a failed relationship. Adrianne seems to be spiraling, singing “You come around I’m ruined,” describing a quick moment s potting past lover. The piano line begins to distort near the end of the track, overwhelming listeners with dissonant sound, bringing them into this spiral with her.
Although Adrianne Lenker is getting ready to release a solo album soon, this does not mean that she is not busy with Big Thief business. The group has remastered and reissued their critically acclaimed debut album, 2016’s Masterpiece. The album is available on standard vinyl, eco-mix vinyl, and CD. The group has also uploaded karaoke versions of every song on Masterpiece for fans to enjoy and sing along to.
Check out Adrianne Lenker’s new song “Ruined” below, find out more about the remaster and reissue of Big Thief’s Masterpiece here, and find her 2024 European tour schedule below.