Historian

Historian is the sophomore studio album by Lucy Dacus, marking a significant expansion in scale and ambition from her debut, No Burden. Released on Matador Records in 2018, the album solidified Dacus as a premier lyricist of her generation. Sonically, it is defined by its dynamic range; Dacus and her band utilize 'crescendo-core' structures where quiet, folk-adjacent beginnings evolve into maximalist indie rock finales. The track 'Night Shift' became a definitive indie anthem of the era, praised for its transformative structure. Critics, including those at AllMusic, noted the record's 'universal acclaim' for its lyrical depth and Dacus's unique vocal presence. The album explores 'historicism' on a personal level - how we document our own lives and losses. It features contributions from her long-time collaborator Jacob Blizard, whose guitar work provides the album's signature grit and texture.