ALBUM REVIEW: Beth Bombara Holds Space for Hope on ‘It All Goes Up’

As with each of her previous three albums, Beth Bombara’s distinct vocals and perceptive lyrics on It All Goes Up leave a deep impression. But where It All Goes Up differs is in the sense of space she creates with lush layers of musical arrangement. Like curtains being swept open to let in shafts of light, these sonic equivalents sparkle.

Much of this record can be traced back to the pandemic — not just Bombara writing from the isolation of lockdown, but also to her finding an old classical guitar she had not played for years.

Beth Bombara (photo by Virginia Harold)

What began with clearing out a closet became a principal feature of the album as Bombara forsook writing with her usual electric guitar in favor of this old friend. Consequently, she has smoothed out some of the indie rock edginess that was so much a part of her previous release, 2019’s Evergreen.

Integral to this new sound is Bombara’s partner and co-producer Kit Hamon, who also plays bass, synthesizer, and percussion. With a band as tight as any Bombara has worked with, they recorded the rhythm section live before adding the rich sound that make this such an impressive album.

Opener “Moment” immediately evokes endless lockdown days all running into each other. Around a dreamy melody Bombara resolves to be more in the present as she assesses her priorities: “I wanna tune it out for a little bit longer.” Still swirling in a pandemic haze, “Lonely Walls” moves from the emptiness of missing so many people to longing for one in particular. Both exude a luxurious spaciousness.

Lyrically, Bombara has become, if not deliriously optimistic, at least more hopeful. In a voice redolent of Joni Mitchell, “Carry the Weight” promises a burden shared. Behind an airy tune lies conviction, “When the world starts getting heavy / I’ll be ready to help you carry the weight.” Linda Ronstadt comes to mind several times, most notably on “Everything I Wanted.” Exuding contentment, this reprise of Laurel Canyon is not just vocal but philosophical in its cascading chorus of, “oooh cuz I got what I need.”

Expanding that sense of space right out to the horizon, “Get On” is a mighty soundscape. If Bombara describes her writing as “economical,” she just chooses the right words that complement, rather than become swamped by, the enveloping instrumentation. “Give Me a Reason” rumbles with distortion as a storm does gathering before breaking into a deluge. From a track that could be a separate song and an instrumental, Bombara skips to the delicate “Electricity,” one of her clearest messages of hope. Flowing, relaxed instrumentation feels positive even before adding the lyrics that include the album’s title, “I lose my head and it all goes up.”

Fittingly, “Fade” plays out this most complete of Bombara’s work to date. In very 1970s singer-songwriter style, accompanied by John Calvin Abney’s Rhodes piano and electric guitar, she glides into the sunset. Having battled severe depression some time ago, Bombara has found solace in music. A testament not only to her creative powers but also to her resilience, the hope of It All Goes Up deserves wide acclaim.

Beth Bombara’s It All Goes Up is out Aug. 4 via Black Mesa Records.