Sierra Swan - Ladyland

Who is Sierra Swan? I found myself strangely compelled to investigate the inner-workings of this red-headed, throaty singer standing barefoot on broken glass for the cover of her debut album. Perhaps it was my fixation with alliteration - and as it turns out, it appears her name may not actually be conjured from some marketer’s imagination. Regardless of the etymological enigmas, I proceeded with my investigation. After making a brief review of her Website for clues, I decided to go straight to the source and see what Sierra had to say in her songwriting. “Copper Red” seemed a natural place to start, being the first track of Ladyland. It was a strong kick-off. No subtle hints here; conflict was the major theme (“I know / I don’t know,” she sings). Sierra struggles with insecurity and indecision, and the glass she’s standing on, she threw herself. Interesting. A bad girl / good girl balance begins to form by track two, “Don’t say,” with a healthy dose of despair (“And then you’re a… goner,” Sierra rasps). She’s paid her dues; although she’s never tried heroin or done time. Despite dark topics (or lack of them), the song turns out rather upbeat, delivered with a strong, feminine quality that is already making a stamp on the album. Clues turn out to be plentiful throughout Ladyland; Sierra is reflective, seeking emotional stability, and destined. And she’s a mess, a fool, cruel, and… a man. Check out the title track - I’m assuming that particular lyric is more metaphorical in nature. Sierra also might be part Fiona Apple, judging by her overall sound and vocal delivery. Ladyland is a reasonable offering for those who can’t get their fill of empowering and emotionally wrought female singing. A sense of label architecture looms in the sidelines, but things check out, so far. [www.sierraswan.com]