Bethany Cosentino, “Natural Disaster.”

Having a sound that’s uniquely your own as an artist is as much of a hurdle to jump as it is a blessing when going on new ventures. For Bethany Cosentino, half of rock duo Best Coast, the pandemic, political unrest and a period of self-reflection and existential dread put that into perspective—ending with the decision to break away to pursue a solo album.

For more than a decade, Best Coast had given listeners a romanticized glimpse of a California surfer’s dream. Natural Disaster, produced by Butch Walker, is an artistic rebirth for Cosentino.

From the first, title, track, the album pulls influences from the likes of Sheryl Crow and Bonnie Raitt, as well as other alt-country artists. It’s a stark departure from the breezy vibes of Best Coast. Here, she’s impatient with herself and the world crashing down at once.

Cosentino expresses this on “Outta Time,” a loud and angsty song that sounds like a heavier version of a Best Coast tune.

“I’m crying at the news again/ ‘Cause the world is slowly drowning …/ Sometimes I dream in white, sometimes I dream in blue,” she sings.

The title track at first appears to be a love letter to a lover but quickly switches gears to instead be directed toward Bethany Cosentino herself. It shows self-awareness, too: She has the ability to find her own voice outside of the band. Acknowledging that it’s “cliche,” she sings about appreciating the simple things in life and staying true to her roots. Going through an internal shift as significant as the one we’re witnessing often reminds us of what’s truly important.

The lyricism is more direct and matter-of-fact compared to her dreamy songwriting as Best Coast’s vocalist. “It’s Fine” is a prime example of her dark humor and acceptance of whatever is yet to come, with Cosentino letting out a scream (in the accompanying video) before getting in a car and singing, “And it’s fine/ ‘Til it’s not fine/ This conversation’s going on too long/ I’m sick of it/ I started it/ With a little bit of wind blowing through my mind/ It’s fine.”

The video for “Easy” also shows Cosentino in a car, not driving anywhere but emotionally going through the motions of what her purpose as a woman in her 30s, and as an artist, is.

“Growing up is easy when you’re 17/ Now I’m 35 and I don’t quite know what it means/ I always thought I’d be a mother/ With a purpose to discover/ But the clouds cover me,” she muses.

It beautifully emphasizes Cosentino’s singing and her words, with mellow drumming, piano and strings (including a banjo) in the background. The song meshes the Laurel Canyon sound with Southern earnestness and twang that, given the theme, is on brand here. She made the album in both Los Angeles and Nashville.

The caveat is that Natural Disaster is very much about putting oneself first and realizing that growth means cutting off what no longer serves you, with no hard feelings. The stripped-back instrumentation throughout this record allows for Cosentino’s storytelling to shine, while also showcasing how she’s seamlessly able to still pull from the deadpanning rock star persona. It shows on tracks like “In My City.”

“If I’m dead/ Then why do I feel alive?/ I didn’t even cry/ When I left myself behind,” she sings on that tune.

The album is also a strong case study on exploring your individuality and creative talents, while escaping from the same routine. Natural Disaster is a beautifully honest portrayal of the journey into adulthood, and all of its ups and downs of relationships, mental health and acceptance. It’s not only about the finality and fragility of life, but of oneself. This is reiterated on “Real Life,” where Cosentino takes a final look to the past and reflects on childhood.

“I was all alone/ Talking to the dark and my imaginary friend and we all played pretend,” she sings alongside soft percussion, piano and backing vocals.

The end of the record is a touching point on mental health and overcoming traumas. It’s a full-circle moment of maturity and understanding that nothing in this life is certain, or linear, but that it’s worth it to stay for the ride.

”I think I’ll stick around,” Cosentino sings on “It’s A Journey,” as a thesis statement.

Follow writer Vera Maksymiuk at Twitter.com/veramaksymiuk.