‘Traveler’ by Kyra Gordon is an 8-track alt-country and traditional folk album that takes its listener on a reflective journey through the singer’s life so far. Its sound is heartfelt and warm, while its lyrics inject subjective, melancholic and nostalgic meaning to objective observations.
The first four tracks are mainly guitar-led, exuding this sense of warmth and heartfelt comfort, while the last four are piano-led. These piano-led tracks hold in them a somber, emotional charge, that though first introduced before these points, begins to feel more intense.
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‘Traveler’: Track-by-Track
‘Traveler’ Part-1: ‘Traveler’-’Balloons on Your Grave’
The album begins with its warm titular track, ‘Traveler’. The song’s lyrics seem to come from a warm place of acceptance, and this sense of gratefulness. Our narrator is proud that she’s a traveler, able to navigate tough situations that threaten to or even knock her down.
“…I’ve always been a traveler, (I’m) thankful I’m that way…,
…Moments don’t last, we get through them all somehow…”.
This warm, almost bright sound turns somber in ‘Nashville You Fooled Me’, a song that reflects on being let down by the things one dreamed they wanted. Our narrator is disillusioned by Nashville, a place she believed she would meet like-minded people. “…Nashville You Fololed Me, you promised me heart…”. But, alas all she sees is a “…shooting star falling…”.
“…A shooting star that feels like me…”.
‘Woodstock’ urges inspiration from a space that feels energising for most musicians, using its descriptive imagery to illicit an emotion. The song feels emotionally climactic, almost impassioned while the singer sing’s what she knows the people at this field in ‘69 were singing for.
“…Freedom,
That song fills my heart till it bursts.
Freedom,
I’m crying like a baby calling its Mama,
Please won’t you come quench my thirst?…”.
Its interesting, taunt percussion highlights these moments of deep reflection in the song.
‘Balloons on Your Grave’ introduces this desolate twang in its melodies, complimenting the song’s slow reflection. Its a song that contemplates life and death, and questions how one might be remembered. “…Here’s to the ones that leave us too soon…”, a somber line that highlights the song’s mood and sentiment.
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‘Traveler’ Pt. II: ‘F U Cancer’- ‘California’
‘F U Cancer’ is a piano-led ballad that uses its lyrics to describe grueling treatment for cancer that only seems to take and take. The descriptions are stream-of-conciousness and heartbreaking, frustrated with the way things are and how they seem to be going. “…I’m tired of consoling everyone else in this city, when I feel (so) shitty…”.
This song moves from something ballad-like and somber to an empowering rock anthem by the time the song ends. This seems to inject energy into the track.
This somber note continues on ‘Tell Me and I’ll Listen’, a track that urges a loved-one to confide in them. This song introduces strings to its soundscape, helping accent the emotion while allowing the piano’s notes to penetrate and seep through.
“…Tell me what you never say, tel me how you weren’t ok,…
…I wanna know…
…Tell me and I’ll listen…”.
‘Burn It Down’ is a warm track filled with warmth, subdued and familiar. Its lyrics describe a scorned lover, who wants to burn down everything that the lovers built together, “…Our evergreen love just turned brown, it made me want to burn everything down…”. A building percussion melody begins this song’s cool down, injecting the song with lovely melodies that sound familiar and hopeful.
The final song on the album, ‘California’ is ‘Traveler’ full circle. It describes that bittersweet relationship one has with a place they call home, knowing that despite everything its a place they can always return to. Its sound is melancholic nostalgia, tinged with this sense of home that feels pervasive and familiar.
“…California, I will always come back to you…
…I was born here (and) I think I will die here in… your lap…
…I will always come back”.
‘Traveler’ by Kyra Gordon is a warm body of work that is reflective and contemplative. The songs feel familiar and make for an enjoyable listen.
The Artist
Kyra Gordon is a singer-songwriter who draws from a range of life-experiences, including her early pursuit of a career in acting. She sees music as her vehicle, combining impressive musical virtuosity with a singular voice and vision.
Listen to ‘Traveler’ here:
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