Lizzy McAlpine is back and better than ever. The indie confessional song writer darling is set to release her fourth studio album “Angel” in September, and her new single “The light in the painting” released Thursday. 

Similar to the stripped vocals seen in McAlpine's 2024 album “Older”, “The light in the painting” is simple. Simple is not inherently bad though, it’s actually clean throughout. The production, done by McAlpine, and her two “Older” collaborators Mason Stoops and Taylor Mackall, (who also worked with Ryan Beaty and Role Model) is warm and cozy. It’s sunlight streaming through the windows and laughing with friends and not worrying about work the next day. It’s a love song, yes, but in my personal opinion not strictly limited to romantic love. It’s safety, emotional vulnerability, and pure comfort. 

One of my favorite lyrics from the song is the end, where McAlpine sings: “Start a fire when you touch me / Hold it close between our chests / If somewhere there is a heaven / This is as close as I will get (As close as I will get)” A beautiful metaphor of vulnerability and love and care held for another person, with the classic McAlpine instrumental outro to accompany. 

Similar to McAlpine's song “Vortex” with its instrumental sections, where “Vortex” is a cyclical song about destruction and not remembering who you or your partner was in the end of a toxic relationship, “The light in the painting” sits in the moment of joy. It doesn’t overthink the future, but just sits in a good moment and soaks it up like the last days of a long and fruitful summer.

The music video to pair with is just stunning. Directed by Neema Sadeghi and McAlpine, it’s a gorgeous collection of clips in a butter yellow truck, filled with scenes of laughter and longing stares and warmth. It reminded me of an almost flipped version of her “reckless driving” music video (both had cars, obviously), where one was filled with anxiety while the other was filled with peace. 

When McAlpine announced her album on Instagram, she described it by stating: “This record means so much to me fuck I love it so much, it helped me process and heal and grieve and love and so soon it will be yours to maybe help you do the same thing thank you for sticking around I’m so excited I’m gonna go jump around and cry maybe I love you bye”

With the knowledge of this central theme, I am one of many fans excited to see this album rollout. “Angel” comes out September 18th!