Album artwork courtesy: Lydia Daniller
Artist: Shawna Virago
Album: Heaven Sent Delinquent
Production: Shawna Virago and recorded/engineered/mixed by Laura Dean
Available on: vinyl, CD, download (CDBaby, iTunes and Amazon) and streaming (SoundCloud) from Tranimal Records
The chronicling of the raw situations that outsiders experience during their fight for survival in their predatory world is a powerful odyssey for both the observers and the rebels. The celebration of those loners’ escape from their challenges in their oppressive towns is the driving force behind singer-songwriter Shawna Virago‘s recently released folk-punk album, ‘Heaven Sent Delinquent.’ The transgender musician is rightfully celebrated for her striking trans-Americana and lyric-based songs, which powerfully encourages everyone not to feel burdened by their pasts, no matter what decisions they have made.
The San Francisco-based folk-punk singer-songwriter launched her acoustic new studio record with the exhilarating entry, ‘Bright Green Ideas.’ Driven by a stunning folk-punk guitar, Virago freely shares her experience of enticing the man she thinks is intoxicating, despite her mother warning her to be aware of men. But the meeting has led her to take a stance for what she believes in, as the interaction with him has changed her.
‘Heaven Sent Delinquent’ then delves into the rock-inspired song, ‘Gender Armageddon.’ With its gripping acoustic rock guitar introduction, Virago fearlessly sings about her return to the coast where she used to meet the man she loved. She freely admits that she’s still drawn to the idea of being together, even though they weren’t the best friends to each other, and didn’t act in each other’s best interest.
The musician’s latest album then delves into the soulful track, ‘The Ballad of Miss Suzy Texas,’ which is driven by a Western and folk acoustic guitar vibe. Virago emotionally sings about how she wants to get even with life before she dies. The tune is more insightful on the effects of heartache, as the singer questions what she’s seen in life.
The next entry on ‘Heaven Sent Delinquent,’ which is titled ‘Last Night’s Sugar,’ features the same soulful Western and folk acoustic guitar strumming as its predecessor, as it emotionally reflects on people’s life choices. The songwriter isn’t afraid to reflect on how she has lost her way in life, and admit that she needs to face the consequences of her past actions.
Virago’s record then delves into its folk-punk inspired title track, on which she insists that she’ll get away from the troubles in her life. In her quest for success, the singer is determined to find comfort in people who understand her, as she has too much pride to stay in her previous life.
‘Heaven Sent Delinquent’ then reaches its half-way point with its subsequent tune, which is rightfully titled ‘Burnout.’ The song’s name descriptively points out how the songwriter’s music has unfortunately become tired and repetitive. While Virago deserves praise for not being afraid to discuss the challenges she faces in life, the way she describes how she’s haunted in her lyrics begins to feel redundant. But the creative use of the harmonica half-way through the entry surprisingly helps infuse a much-needed unique vibe into the musician’s signature sound.
The folk-punk album then moves onto the distinct entry, ‘Anniversary Song,’ which proves Virago’s versatility and flexibility by returning to the sounds of the opening songs. The musician courageously reflects on her relationship, and reveals that she doesn’t care what he’s done, as she just wants him back in her life.
‘The Pleasure Car’ is the next upbeat track on the singer’s record, and chronicles the development of her devoted relationship and first experiences with the man she loves. Since she’s happy over the way they bonded, Virago boldly promises to continuously protect him, no matter what circumstances they’re forced to face together.
While ‘The Pleasure Car’ happily explores the positive aspects of a relationship, the next tune, ‘Holy Rollers,’ wistfully chronicles the melancholy that arises when there isn’t any salvation left in a marriage. But ‘Heaven Sent Delinquent’ ends on a more upbeat note with its final entry, ‘Land of Guns and Honey.’ The cheerful harmonica and guitar emphasize how getting lost on the road of temptation may be the best way for a person to implement the changes they desire in their life.
The chronicling of the tender situations that rebels experience during their fight for survival in their predatory world is a compelling odyssey for both the observers and the outsiders. The celebration of those loners’ escape from their struggles in their oppressive towns is the driving force behind Virago’s recently released acoustic folk-punk album, ‘Heaven Sent Delinquent.’ The San Francisco-based singer-songwriter, is rightfully encouraging everyone to not feel burdened by their pasts, no matter what lifestyle choices they have made.
Want to learn more information on Virago? Then visit her website and social pages:
• Official Website
• Twitter
• Facebook
