Adrianne Lenker, solo artist who doubles as lead singer of alternative band Big Thief, is joining the legions of genre-bending musicians (Beyoncé, Zach Bryan, etc.) turning to country and western influences. With the release of her third single “Fool” on her upcoming album “Bright Future,” Lenker proves elements of country music’s songwriting are becoming mainstream. 

Following the single releases of gut-wrenching ballad “Ruined” and the coming-to-terms track “Sadness As A Gift,” Lenker continues to explore deep feelings in mundane ways with “Fool.” Themes of uncertainty and mixed feelings reign, conveyed by muffled plucked strings and harmonics. 

Lenker’s vocals are grainy. She uses her breath and echoes of her voice as an instrument in parts of the song. Her haunting harmonies and airy voice are nothing new, and it’s no surprise that “Fool” feels intensely personal. That’s Lenker’s specialty. 

“Fool” feels like a memory in the summertime, running with a dog in a big yard. Her earnest lyrics are as honest and forward as ever while also painting a picture of a country, slow-living scene. She sings, “Oh, just say what it is that you want.” There is no external fight to this song, only internal turmoil: “Heart out of sight/Body and mind fistfight.” We learn character’s names, or get personal references. We learn that “Jamie’s in L.A.” and “Ali found a five acre farm” and get to wonder what “Daddy” and “Momma” gave for advice. 

 Overall, the lyrics of “Bright Future” so far are matter-of-fact and accepting. They’re observational, another component of country music Lenker embodies. 

“Bright Future” releases in full on March 22. To catch Lenker on tour, the closest show is in Chicago on June 28. 

For more from author Kate Schreiber, tune into “Nowhere Land” on Wednesdays 8-10 p.m.