Skye Wallace
Self-Released, 2019
9/10
A Canadian songstress who plays loud, driving and often emotional songs on this self-titled album, though Wallace might be known as someone with a penchant for folk sounds, here the Toronto resident shows vast influences across the rock spectrum.
“Death Of Me” starts the album and isn’t quite as stark as the title implies, as Wallace brings a dense approach to the cautious alt-rocker, and “There Is A Wall” follows with a thumping setting of busy rock and quieter ebbs of fuzzy beauty.
Near the middle, quieter ideas infiltrate the powerful yet subdued “Stand Back”, where Wallace’s guitar and voice are the only tools, while “Body Lights The Way” recruits all sorts of grooves in a retro tune that could fill arenas.
Deeper cuts offer the mysterious “Swing Batter”, that pushes and pulls with tense moments, and “Suffering For You” ends the listen on a dirge like exit of deep bass and raw drumming on a cathartic highlight.
Often times unfolding like a grunge album with much depth, Wallace’s version of folk-rock is laced with punk rock sensibilities, and her classically trained pipes radiate sincerity and warmth on this stunning record.
Travels well with: Jeen- Modern Life; Des Ark- Loose Lips Sink Ships