Kacy Hill crafts a folk-pop sonic wonderland with “BUG”

Folk-pop singer-songwriter and producer, Kacy Hill is set to unveil her fourth studio album, BUG, making its debut on May 3rd. The album boasts ten tracks showcasing cohesive instrumentation that beautifully complements Hill’s airy, ethereal, and thoughtfully controlled vocals.

Kacy Hill boldly demonstrates her willingness to experiment with her vocals and the placement of instruments, treating BUG as a sonic wonderland brimming with infectious melodies, gritty guitar riffs, and celestial harmonies.

Navigating through BUG is akin to wandering through a lush garden, where standout moments await in tracks like “No One,” “Damn,” “Frog Rinse,” “Here I Am” featuring Donna Missal, and “Honey Boba Boy”.

With production contributions from Bartees Strange, Sega Bodega, and Jim-E Stack meticulous attention to sound quality and delivery shines through on every track of the album. BUG opens with “No One”, a genuinely beautiful and simplistic track adorned with profound lyrics. 

Hill delicately delivers the line “Part of me still thinks of disappearing now and then,” capturing the essence of human contemplation. The instrumentation and vocals weave together with intricate riffs, infusing the track with energy, while ethereal harmonies enhance the constant rhythm.

Moving on to “Damn”, Hill delivers tender vocals accompanied by lyrics like “I wish you’d wanna be the man I thought that you were gonna.” It includes reflective moments that underscore the disappointment experienced when one’s expectations of a partner do not align with reality.

 Transitioning to “Frog Rinse,” this track’s introductory instrumentation evokes artful imagery reminiscent of trickling water. Paired with Hill’s angelic vocals, the track unfolds as a confessional, delving into themes of vulnerability and yearning for connection. The steady four-on-the-floor rhythm sets the stage for cascading melodies to roam freely above. 

Echoing early Grimes production, “Here I Am” (feat. Donna Missal) utilizes vocal lines as embellishments to a driving beat, solidifying its impact. Truly euphoric and distinct, “Here I Am” stands as its own unique experience.

My personal favorite on the album, “Honey Boba Boy” ushers in a more stripped-back sound, featuring vocals accompanied by raw acoustic guitar, allowing Hill’s voice to shine. The song concludes with playful autotune on the vocals, adding a whimsical touch to the overall atmosphere.

In simple terms, BUG is undeniably beautiful and impeccably crafted. Longtime fans of Kacy Hill will discover the joy and perhaps even inspiration in her commitment to this meticulously designed album. 

Although my initial experience of listening to BUG was in my dimly lit living room, this album would perfectly complement an adventurous stroll into nature. So don’t pass up the opportunity to slip on those quality headphones and dive into every track. 

North American Tour Dates

5/29 – Washington D.C. – Songbyrd Music House
5/30 – New York, NY — Music Hall of Williamsburg
5/31 – Philadelphia, PA – Johnny Brenda’s
6/02 – Chicago, IL – Empty Bottle
6/05 – Denver, CO – Larimer Lounge
6/08 – Los Angeles, CA – Lodge Room
6/09 – San Diego — Casbah
6/11 – San Francisco – Rickshaw Stop (Popscene)
6/14 – Vancouver, BC – Fox Cabaret
6/15 – Portland, OR – Holocene
6/16 – Seattle, WA — Barboza

Image by Chuck Grant, courtesy of the artist