Byland's 'Heavy For a While'

As if releasing the weight of the world from her shoulders, Alie Byland exhales at the opening of Heavy For a While, which also opens with a track of the same name. The sigh is a culmination of years of frustration, despair, and the crippling burden of isolation. In fact, on the cover, Alie is arched forward—a physical manifestation of the 10 of Wands card—barefoot, and her hair loose. Her fingers are grazing the floor. Her pose is one of exhaustion almost, looking toward the viewer as if to say, "I've had it."

Right off the bat, it's obvious that Heavy For a While will be well, heavy. It's the kind of album that's an ideal soundtrack for a solo trip when you've got a lot on your mind. Deeply resonant, the album will speak to its jaded audience who is searching for a sense of "normalcy" after a series of unprecedented events.

Heavy For a While is the latest effort from Seattle-based duo Alie Renee and her partner Jake (the name Byland is derived from the couple's surname). Described as "cinematic indie rock," Byland's atmospheric music is colored by the vulnerability of its lyrics, laying down burdens through song. Alie is the frontwoman, the vocalist, and the primary instrumentalist, while Jake engineers and co-writes. Heavy For a While is preceded by Gray and Desert Days.

Comprised of 10 tracks, Heavy For a While is a work that embarks on a mission to spill the inner content of Byland's soul. Largely inspired by the couple's experiences during COVID lockdown and a return to New Mexico for about two years, the album ponders home and a sense of belonging—wherever it may be. The album was completed in Seattle, under the production of Nathan Yaccino (Pearl Jam, Brandi Carlisle, Tanya Tucker). Additionally, the couple penned the songs independently before perfecting the final product.

Following the opener, Byland meanders into a string of contemplative songs such as "Lean In" and "Settle My Mind," which delves into the home of someone struggling with anxiety and depression. Later, Byland discusses a friend frozen in time in "Two Circles." The existential "Temporary Everything" is dreamy, yet straightforward with its lyrics, "Everything's existential... monumental... The end of the fucking world...I'm feeling jaded..."

One of the most powerful songs on the album is "Darts," a vibrant ode to how dreams don't always reflect reality. Accented by string instruments and piano, "Darts" is a loaded entry before the lighter "Monstera," which continues with a similar theme, as Byland reflects on a childhood best friend. Next, perhaps the most cinematic fare on Heavy For a While is "Like Flies." The song starts low and breezy before reaching its symphonic chorus. Emotional and complex, "Like Flies" is a climactic song that showcases the best of Byland's composing and songwriting abilities. "Postcards" once again leans into the past, this time remembering those long gone. Heartbreaking, "Postcards" laments, "I have a hard time letting go..."

Heavy For a While concludes with the understated piano track "End Scene." Lighter than the previous songs, "End Scene" is a fitting closer. In the song, Byland ponders a life that's blurred by the demands of performance. Is there a difference between being in the audience and being on stage? What happens when the curtain falls? The questions unanswered linger long after the final note is played and the music fades away.

Overall, Heavy For a While is fueled by wistfulness for simpler times, existential dread, and navigating a society that occasionally shuns authenticity. A reflection of the times, the album is a testament to Byland's maturity. Heavy For a While is incredibly raw, and being raw is one of the first steps toward healing and letting go of the past.

Heavy For a While is now available on all major streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and more.

The record was released on March 29th and is also now available.