Local Album Review // Optimistic Apocalypse // Life Comes When Death Does

Self-Released

It's been three years since Mckenzie Sprague's (40 Under 40 Class of 2025) last album as Optimistic Apocalypse, and based on some of the songs that comprise Life Comes When Death Does, one could reasonably assume that things haven't been easy for the homegrown artist. But unlike some songwriters who opt to wallow in their sadness, LCWDD feels shockingly hopeful, cementing Sprague's indie-folk (backed here by Brent Knight, Jennifer Meyer, and others) as some of the best coming out of Erie right now. LCWDD's portrayal and acceptance of death as a natural part of our life cycle is a very fitting theme for Sprague's vivid, nature-centric lyricism, but it's not the only thing that makes this collection of psychedelic-folk songs stand out. Where 2022's Above the Land felt fluid and at times even ambient in sound, LCWDD forgoes the boygenius comparisons in favor of the work of numerous indie veterans, such as David Bazan and Modest Mouse on opening tracks "Oak Tree" and "Have You Noticed," respectively. It's hard to believe Sprague is only 28 considering her unique aesthetic, subject matter, and long-term presence in our art scene, but with any luck, LCWDD is another step towards a prolific career for one of Erie's most promising musicians.