Kevin Bronson on October 1st, 2023

0

Leslie Stevens has been the belle of many an Americana ball dating back to her days fronting Leslie & the Badgers. But — and we want to add “bam,” for emphasis — gone are her trademark heart-melting lilt and twangy guilelessness on her new single, “Secrets.”

Which is not to say that the singer-songwriter has lost her ability to induce goosebumps.

“Secrets,” Stevens’ first release since her Jonathan Wilson-produced 2019 album, “Sinner,” is a smoldering ride-or-die declaration fueled by sweeping keys, rumbling guitar and sultry vocals. Co-produced with Kevin Ratterman (My Morning Jacket, Ray Lamontagne, Andrew Bird, Strand of Oaks and Emma Ruth Rundle, among others), “Secrets” reflects some of Stevens’ ’90s touchstones — she name-checks Sonic Youth, Hole, Bikini Kill, Mazzy Star and Nirvana. Keyboardist Bo Koster (My Morning Jacket) and bassist Nicole Row (Incubus) play on the track.

Stevens and Ratterman met when they played in Jim James’ band on “The Late Show With Stepohen Colbert.” Says Stevens: “Kevin moved to L.A. right after the show and set up a studio here. He had me sing backing vocals on a bunch of other artists tracks in town, and when I did the sessions I loved the way he captured my voice. So the idea of doing my next record with him seemed really exciting.”

As for “Secrets,” she adds: “We were going for a soothing, drone-type grunge, but I wanted it to express an unapologetic love — a love that knows the best and the worst of someone and loves it all with complete devotion. How does this person make all the doors open? It’s like magic. You know?”

Yep, it sure is.

Stevens is coy about future releases, but stay tuned.

||| Stream: “Secrets”

||| Previously: “Teen Bride,” “12 Feet High,” “The Donkey and the Rose” / interview “Everybody Drinks and Drives in Heaven,” “Roomful of Smoke”