To many, Lady Lamb the Beekeeper (aka Aly Spaltro) is an enigma. Her songs are at once intimate and unbridled- both deeply personal and existentially contemplative. Spaltro is a fearless performer who can command a pitch-black stage with nothing more than her voice. Yet, when the band bursts in and the lights come up, what began as a demonstration of restraint shifts seamlessly into an emphatic snarl.

It was in Spaltro’s home state of Maine that she first found her voice among thousands of films in the independent rental store where she worked the closing shift. After hours, Spaltro would create songs completely uninhibited by musical conventions, learning to play and sing as she hit record. A handful of these songs were carefully curated and fully arranged for her debut studio album, Ripely Pine (Ba Da Bing! Records).

On her newest work, After, Spaltro explores dualities further – giving equal attention to both the internal and external, the before and after. Her most palpable fears and memories are on display here, with a familiar vulnerability even more direct than her last effort. These new works – which found Spaltro co-producing with her Ripely Pine partner Nadim Issa – are sonically vibrant, with an assertive use of grit and brightness. Thematically, they provide direct insight into Spaltro’s rumination on mortality, family, friendships, and leaving home. Where Ripely Pine sometimes lacked in personal narrative and directness is where After shines. The last line on After encompasses the self-assurance of the work as a whole, stating “I know where I come from.” This theme is constant throughout the album.

Beginning the week of release, Lady Lamb will play three record release shows in the cities she calls home – first and foremost Portland, Maine, Boston and Brooklyn. Spaltro (guitar, vocals) will be joined by Derek Gierhan (drums) and TJ Metcalfe (bass, organ).

AFTER TRACKLISTING:

01. Vena Cava
02. Billions of Eyes
03. Violet Clementine
04. Heretic
05. Sunday Shoes
06. Spat Out Spit
07. Penny Licks
08. Dear Arkansas Daughter
09. Milk Duds
10. Ten
11. Batter
12. Atlas

LADY LAMB TOUR DATES:
Tue. March 3 – Brooklyn, NY @ Rough Trade
Sat. March 7 – Cambridge, MA @ The Sinclair
Fri. March 13 – Portland, ME @ Port City Music Hall