St. Vincent - Strange Mercy

St. Vincent, the stage name of Annie Clark, returns with Strange Mercy, following her acclaimed 2009 album Actor. Recorded in her hometown of Dallas, TX at Elmwood Studios with producer John Congleton, this album features eleven tracks that blend thoughtful songwriting with raw emotional power. Clark’s signature guitar work takes center stage here, used with the precision and artistry of a painter’s brushstroke, weaving intricate riffs and unique instrumental touches into rich, evocative soundscapes.

Songs like “Cruel” deliver sharp bursts reminiscent of an R&B horn section, while “Cheerleader” bubbles with fuzzy, layered guitars, and “Surgeon” spins in a dizzying swirl of vocals and notes. While Strange Mercy is very much Annie Clark’s vision, she’s joined by a talented group of collaborators, including Grammy-winning Bobby Sparks on mini moog, clarinet, harp, and Wurlitzer, Midlake’s Mackenzie Smith on drums, violinist Daniel Hart, and Beck’s keyboardist and musical director Brian Lebarton. The result is an emotionally rich, sonically adventurous album that pushes boundaries while revealing Clark’s virtuosity and emotional depth.