Shannon Lay hasn't released a new album of originals in five years, since 2021's Geist. But the LA musician has been busy in the interval. She released a covers album in 2023, logged some choice collaborations, appeared on several benefit compilations, and even released a Christmas song. Now she's finally back with news of a new LP.
Lay's new album Past The Veil is dropping in July on Lay's own label All The Best. "Past The Veil is about turning towards discomfort and moving into it in order to get out of it," she explains. "Learning how to be present with our emotions requires a lot of practice. I hope this can be a reminder to continue that courageous work and live more freely because of it." She says her 2024 one-off single "Mirrors" was a jumpoff point: "As soon as we finished that song, I knew I wanted that sound and feeling to compose the entire next record."
The title track from Past The Veil is groovy, retro, and contemplative — marked by tender, hypnotic vocals from Lay and an organic arrangement lets every instrument have its spotlight moment, from bass to guitar to piano. It's a jazzy, folksy, spectral pop treasure that builds to a crucial refrain: "Let it change, now." Listen below.
TRACKLIST:
01 "Moving"
02 "What Does It Mean"
03 "Honest Man"
04 "The Calling"
05 "Past The Veil"
06 "Whom Gods Destroy"
07 "Horizons"
08 "Room For Less"
09 "Sky Song"
10 "I Need More Water"
Past The Veil is out 7/28 on All The Best.
