Meghan Pulles - Lambs for the Slaughter

Meghan Pulles

​Lambs for the Slaughter
self-released; 2024

​​​​By ​Dino DiMuro

Nashville singer-songwriter Meghan Pulles has an interesting term for her music: “emo-positive” (not quite as striking as “Jews for Jesus” but close!). Her style of indie music is described as blending folk, pop and Americana. She released her debut album “ear baby” on Aurally Records in 2023, along with a host of singles with striking artwork that I found on Bandcamp. She’s back again with a new single titled Lambs for the Slaughter, which will appear on her sophomore album coming in 2026.

​Pulles’ music is intended to create a space for reflection and connection. Her lyrics are often compared to “the lyrical brilliance of Regina Spektor and the introspective grace of Joni Mitchell.” Her debut album garnered over 150,000 streams and was featured on platforms like EARMILK, Obscure Sound, Music Crowns and Broadway World. In 2024 she was nominated for Artist of the Year at the Josie Music Awards (Folk/Americana). She’s even made the first round of ballots for the 2025 Grammy Awards in the Best New Artist, Best Pop Vocal and Album of the Year categories. 

I first played this single without reading any of the background material. I have been officially documented as having zero comprehension (fact!) but what I picked up was a song that begins by describing the senseless loss of life as a result of war or even epidemics, and extrapolating into the new, frightening “Handmade’s Tale” reality for women in our current political environment. Turns out I was close! Pulles’ press release states that “Lambs For The Slaughter” was written on the day the Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade. Pulles says: “This isn’t just a political issue; it’s deeply personal. The history of disrespect towards women and their choices weighs heavily on my heart. This song channels that collective pain and frustration. I want this song to be a rallying cry for change. We need to stand together for a just and equal world. This is my declaration as an artist and a passionate advocate for women’s rights.”

The track begins with Pulles playing acoustic guitar and singing wordlessly almost as if she’s moaning, joined by a hard rock band sound in a minor key with an abrasive edge. Clearly this is not going to be a happy journey! As the lyrics begin I now realize Pulles is grappling with the abortion decision right from the start: “Oh history… drag me down, hit me with a shard of glass / take away all my rights of living.” I can see I got the war imagery from line “Everything that we fought for is buried in the ground.” 

Pulles has a pleasing mid-range voice but obviously the subject matter fills her performance with gravity. The chorus harmonies are beautifully performed but have the most chilling lyrics: “What gives you the right to use my body for your altar/ We are lambs, just the lambs for the slaughter.” The imagery can’t help but remind me of the biblical story of Abraham and Isaac, though in this case we’re still waiting for an angel to intervene! Musically the second section is similar to the first, with a few variations. The second chorus is if anything even more powerful, with Kate Bush-like ghostly backing vocals wailing in sympathy. Excellent tone on the electric guitars and a full, wall of sound production style throughout.

This track is certainly of-the-moment and a sign of important work ahead from Pulles. Chilling but recommended!

meghanpulles.com

Tweet