Kate Bollinger’s Debut ‘Songs From A Thousand Frames Of Mind’ is Spring Come Early
Virginia-born but LA-based artist Kate Bollinger released her debut album Songs From A Thousand Frames Of Mind on September 27th, 2024, under Ghostly International. Inspired by a variety of genres ranging from pop to rock, Bollinger’s first collection is an intimate glance into the artist’s supple melodies and poetic lyricism. She released her first EP I Don’t Wanna Lose in 2018 and instantly garnered a fan base with her soft, wispy voice, and unique take on the folk-pop blend. Songs From A Thousand Frames Of Mind is no stranger from Bollinger’s brand of gentle tunes, but still provides a new take on her bright musical intricacies.
The album opens with “What’s This About (La La La),” an upbeat acoustic track that’s reminiscent of spring flowers blooming, fresh rain on pavement, and the joy of new adventures awaiting. The following track “To Your Own Devices” carries forward this pastel narrative, and Bollinger’s high-pitch, Alice Phoebe Lou-like voice shines at the center stage of the piece.
The third song “Any Day Now” marks a musical shift with its funky beat and punchy melodies. As Bollinger describes what it is to be a free-flowing spirit, her relatable yet tender lyrics shine through as she sings, “There are so many things she wants to know / And so unsure of all that she might find out / She’s gone by Monday / Back again on Sunday.” The next song “God Interlude” feels like a peek through the curtain, a confidential meeting between Bollinger and God when she says, “I hate you ‘cause you age me/But I love you when you teach me new ways to be.” It’s her trademark -- soft and light -- until the end where the guitars pick up and the harmonies chime in.
“Lonely,” the fifth track, feels like a voicemail to a friend who’s going through a rough time. The piano ballad is simple in nature, but the comforting words are enough to fuel the song with love: “Lonely, it might get you / But be the one to choose it’s done / Lonely, starts to fit you / What will you be when it is gone?”
Photo Creds: Gilles O'Kane
“Running,” “Postcard From A Cloud,” and “Sweet Devil” maintain the album’s feathery beats with the use of an acoustic guitar, piano, and the artist’s dainty, breathy voice. Each piece ties the other, more upbeat tracks together under the umbrella of what makes Bollinger a stand-out artist: her chill, easy vibe that comes through in every word sung.
“I See It Now,” the ninth song, differs the most from the others on the eleven-track album. Starting as a classic soft-pop song, the entire piece shifts to a more staccato-heavy beat with the introduction of an electric guitar.
Songs From A Thousand Frames Of Mind closes with “All This Time,” a reflective tune about leaving someone you love behind. As Bollinger sings, “I’m in California today / Sometimes I wonder what you think of me having gone away / I look at all the houses on the hill / Can’t help but wish we were inside our little house together still” she describes a struggle many have gone through and others will eventually experience. It’s a satisfying ending to the album entirely devoted to figuring yourself out, understanding the universe’s plans, and deciding to look ahead to the future. Fall may have just arrived, but with Kate Bollinger’s fresh-faced and golden debut album it will always be spring.