Shattered Perspectives Is What Happens When You Stop Editing the Truth

Versions of the recording exist in which Brenna Menz smooths away the edges. She chooses a sound, mood, and neatly wraps everything together. But that’s not the case here.

Rather, Shattered Perspectives moves according to how memories return. Electronic pop merges with folk. Folk further transforms into reggae. There is no standstill in the relationship portrayed in this album. For two years, Menz was going after a person who was unable to be there even when being present. The author has created the album using the same process she uses for almost every track: starting from a piece of music or a line, she follows this idea to its natural resolution.

The title of the leading track, “I Hope You Miss Me,” reveals the most intense feelings in the album. Menz states that it is the most trivial thing she has written so far, and she is right because it works. The only thing done in this track is to be honest and genuine. Further, in the following track, “Break This Habit,” Menz creates a self-portrait.

The majority of the recording happened in her apartment, and the remainder was completed at the producer’s studio in Issaquah. There is nothing mythological about the space where she recorded. The fact is that a Seattle bedroom can be just as meaningful as any famous sound board.

The album finishes with "Cliff," a song that embodies all of Menz's ideas as a debut artist. "You never know what will happen until you try." The statement is simplistic and maybe even overused, but she is not preaching words of wisdom. It is her way of living personally and professionally.