ALBUM OF THE WEEK: VAGABON (self-titled)

Usually an eponymous album announces an artist’s arrival, but Laetitia Tamko, who records under the name Vagabon, waited until her sophomore album to self-title.  It’s a record about race and gender, empowerment, and, most importantly, soul.  It’s got plenty of soul.
 
But don’t mistake this for a soul record.  If these songs were recorded by a white female (or, better yet, a white man), they’d squarely sit on the indie rock shelf.  And that is truly where they belong.  In these days of genre blending, Vagabon should find a place in the hearts of those who love Tegan and Sara, Steve Lacy, and even “classic” indie artists like Death Cab.\