"Why" by Rachel Love

The soundtrack for a rainy Sunday morning on the couch or a contemplative walk on a downer of a day, Rachel Love's Lyra is a sixties-infused dreampop delight. Opening tunes "Without You" and "Why" delicately blend a forlorn mood with a "ba ba baadaa" bounce that reassures times goes on while you're lost in thought. The songs of Lyra might even convert your listless walk to a skip, gallop or carefree frolic. 

"Most of this album was written after I lost my husband three years ago," explained Rachel. "He was also my musical partner and producer."

Rachel was a member of Dolly Mixture, a band formed by three friends in Cambridge, UK in the late 70s. Rachel contributed guitar and vocals to the band which had a pop punk sound. Think Talulah Gosh, Heavenly and Thee Headcoatees. Their 1984 album Demonstration Tapes was re-released in 1995 by Bob Stanley of Saint Etienne.

"Why" is very much exploring the feelings of grief," said Rachel. "It's been my way of coming to terms with loss and it has been a very cathartic process."

For fans of Margo Guryan and Emma Anderson. 

Lyra is released by The Cat Collects and was co-produced, mixed and mastered by Rachel's son David. You can order a copy of the CD on Rachel's Bandcamp. Album artwork by Jodie Lowther.