The record draws inspiration from Merce’s experience of reconnecting with the natural world, building on themes of transformation and incorporating vivid imagery from both nature and city life. The closing track of the album embodies Merce’s contemplation of the unknown, supported by a collaboration with Spencer Smith, who contributed the initial musical framework.
Watch Me Drive Them Dogs Wild is rooted in folk and indie rock influences, integrating acoustic elements with moments of electric intensity. The record moves fluidly between stripped-down ballads and distorted riffs, blending harmonies with wailing guitar lines. Lemon’s voice has the gritty intensity of Wednesday’s Karly Hartzman but also the subtlety of Joni Mitchell. These contrasting styles mirror the album’s themes, creating a dynamic and immersive experience. The instrumentation often complements the lyrical narratives, with excellent use of pedal steel that enhances both the contemplative and high-energy aspects of the record, making it Merce’s best release to date.
Since her previous work on Moonth, Merce’s sound has expanded to include a more pronounced mixture of raw acoustic and electric elements. Watch Me Drive Them Dogs Wild showcases a shift towards a richer and more complex sound, influenced by a period of introspection and new connections with nature. While her earlier work had a more straightforward folk orientation, this album experiments with dissonance and blends both delicate and powerful arrangements. The album also reflects a deepened relationship with her community, building on her collaborative spirit and showcasing a more confident sonic presence.
Listeners may find similarities to artists such as Big Thief, Lucy Dacus, Waxahatchee, Hand Habits, Sharon Van Etten, Joni Mitchell, MJ Lenderman, and Horse Jumper of Love. Each of these artists shares an affinity for blending folk-inspired songwriting with moments of intensity, driven by both electric and acoustic arrangements.
Key tracks include “Watch Me Drive Them Dogs Wild” / “Backyard Lover” / “Foolish and Fast.” The title track closes the album with an introspective feel, highlighting Merce’s personal reflections on the future. “Backyard Lover” stands out for its evolving mood, shifting from nostalgic memory to a burst of raw emotion. “Foolish and Fast” showcases Merce’s swaying swagger, holding your attention with every pulsing line as the guitar continually builds to match Lemon’s increasingly intense vocals.
Merce’s lyrics revolve around themes of nature, community, loss, and resilience. Her writing draws on personal experiences, conveying a deep connection to the environment and reflecting on relationships and mortality. Through her lyrics, Merce paints vivid images of her surroundings, using them to mirror her inner landscape. Her ability to juxtapose moments of hope with those of uncertainty allows the listener to experience the complexities of her emotional world, always tethered to the landscapes she holds dear.
Thomas Wilde
For more of Thomas Wilde’s music reviews, check out The Fire Note
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- Nothing Lasts Forever (Teenage Fanclub) – music review
- Don’t You Think You’ve Had Enough? (Bleached) – music review
- Homegrown (Neil Young) – music review
The Fire Note started to create a simple place that could showcase records that we liked. Nothing more, nothing less. The focus has always been about the album and the experience that a great record creates. The Fire Note Webzine builds on this idea by offering an array of content that is all about the enjoyment of music, its pulse and energizing attitude.