If a scrapbook transcending temporal and spatial boundaries — and, of course, a thousand frames of mind — was condensed into an album, it would be Kate Bollinger’s new album Songs From a Thousand Frames of Mind. Despite having been in the music industry for almost six years now, the record, which was released on Sept. 27, is the indie-folk singer’s debut studio album.
Listening to the tracklist, the record feels more like a mixtape than an album in the best possible way. I’ve always had a soft spot for mixtapes and playlists because, to me, they’re thoughtfully hand-picked recommendations — miscellaneous but heartwarmingly intimate. There isn’t any coherent theme binding the songs together, but the thread of reflection and vulnerability runs through each track. Unlike most albums, which are a world in and of themselves, each track on Songs From a Thousand Frames of Mind opens up a door to a new genre, place and time due to its plethora of influences. And considering that some of the tracks are from years prior, this makes sense.
The album opens with energetic beats and sunshine-y guitar. The opening track, “What’s This About (La La La La),” feels like a song that would play in the opening credits of a teen drama, which are my personal guilty pleasures, so Bollinger immediately won me over with this one. However, this upbeat introduction to the tracklist quickly transitions into softer melodies and winding, hypnotic beats similar to 60s bands like The Velvet Underground.
Wistful and piercing, with soft melancholic vocals, slower tracks like “To Your Own Devices” and “Lonely” shine a spotlight on Bollinger’s profound lyricism. After all, lyrics like “Lonely starts to fit you / What will you be when it is gone?” are indisputably impeccable. When paired with her slightly muffled vocals, these songs are reminiscent of iconic ‘90s singers like Mazzy Star. These songs feel more like deeply personal voice messages rather than studio-recorded tracks, highlighting the emotional vulnerability of this project. My personal favorite off the 11-track album, “Any Day Now,” is about the nuances of melancholy and freedom that come with leaving something comfortable. It feels like the thematic love child of “Dreams” by The Cranberries and “She’s Leaving Home” by the Beatles.
Although Bollinger moved between states — both physically and emotionally — since her first few releases, many things have remained consistent across her discography, including woozy guitar backing tracks and smooth, honeyed vocals. Yet, she’s managed to evolve while retaining her charm and whimsy. Compared to her previous work, Songs From a Thousand Frames Of Mind is Bollinger at her most dramatic. Accompanied by movie-like music videos, the album carries a cinematic quality, evoking a nostalgic and almost daydream-esque atmosphere that draws you in.
Perfect for romanticizing gloomy fall weather, Songs From a Thousand Frames of Mind feels like the ideal soundtrack for embracing the introspective nature of autumn. I’ve always felt that fall represents new beginnings — a season of shedding the old, like leaves falling from trees, to make room for what’s to come. The tracks on this album echo that sentiment, rich with reflection and forward-looking perspectives. Whether it’s the bittersweet realizations of "I See It Now" or the gentle resolve of "In A Smile," Bollinger’s melodies feel like quiet moments of self-discovery. As the days grow shorter and colder, this album invites listeners to pause, look inward and embrace change, making it the perfect companion for those crisp, contemplative fall days.
An autobiographical album in the truest sense, Songs From a Thousand Frames of Mind is a mosaic Bollinger has crafted of all the people and experiences that have touched her life. When listening to it, the nostalgia and warmth that runs through it makes you see the world through the grainy lens of a film camera. Incoherent, intimate and introspective, this record skillfully weaves together soothing vocals, playful instrumentals and vulnerable lyrics to create an emotionally rich musical tapestry that is going to be a fall classic for years to come.
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