Molly Trueman’s debut album, Angels & Aliens, is a deeply introspective journey through personal struggles and societal unrest. This Montreal-based singer-songwriter has created a sonic landscape that bridges folk vulnerability with alt-rock grit, blending acoustic warmth with an edgy, modern sound. The album’s strength lies in its unflinching honesty and raw production—a refreshing DIY approach that showcases Trueman’s talent for capturing human emotion. Her debut emerges as a thoughtful and provocative piece, filled with the weight of her influences and a distinct voice all her own.
The album’s centerpiece, “I Won’t Sleep Soundly,” shines as a powerful statement on perseverance in times of turmoil. Trueman wrote this track in 2020, processing the murder of George Floyd and the social upheaval that followed. The song’s simplicity is deceptive; anchored by an acoustic guitar and subtle synth lines, it builds a haunting atmosphere that echoes Trueman’s sense of unrest. Her lyrics reflect a heavy heart, grappling with grief and frustration, and her vocals convey the weariness and urgency of someone who can’t rest while the world remains unjust. This track resonates as both a cry for change and a reminder of resilience.
Trueman’s range of musical influences is evident in *Angels & Aliens*. Her work echoes Madison Cunningham’s contemplative folk-rock style and Phoebe Bridgers’ melancholic tones, while drawing from the textural depths of Radiohead and the cathartic intensity of Paramore. This blend allows her to explore diverse sonic realms, from intimate folk to edgy alternative. The album’s songs shift from delicate fingerpicked guitar to layered synth atmospheres, demonstrating her ability to navigate these different influences with sophistication and heart.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the album is its raw, DIY quality. Recorded in her bedroom, Angels & Aliens, is intimate and unpolished in a way that feels genuine. This stripped-back production emphasizes Trueman’s voice, giving each song a confessional tone. The careful layering of her sounds reflects the artist’s commitment to her vision, as she reworked songs repeatedly to reach a place of emotional authenticity. This approach allows listeners to feel as if they’re part of Trueman’s journey, offering them not just an album, but an experience.
With, Angels & Aliens, Trueman has crafted an album that is as compelling as it is personal. Each track is a vignette of vulnerability and strength, capturing a broad emotional landscape that resonates with the current climate. Her sound offers something fresh yet familiar, and her storytelling feels genuine and relatable. As a debut, this album sets a high standard, and it positions Trueman as a promising voice in the alt-folk scene—one that listeners will be eager to follow for years to come.
