Solace In The Wild
Self-Released, 2021
9/10
The Austin, Texas songstress Erin Ivey positions herself with some of the best local musicians on this first album in 7 years, where a rich intimacy makes its way into sincere songwriting that surrounds the human experience.
“Lost Girl” starts the listen with emotive, breathy vocals from Ivey, as Peter Stopschinski’s deft piano complements the dreamy guitar work, and “Joy” follows with a playful folk spirit that’s full of beauty in an eloquent climate that flirts with Americana, too.
“Dust Bowl” lands in the middle, and brings plenty of warmth amid intricate guitar picking and cautious melody, while “Blue Skies” is a bare and gorgeous display of soulful songwriting as Ivey interprets a classic from the ‘20s. “Charleston”, an especially moving track about the 2015 South Carolina church shooting, then allows Ivey’s versatile pipes to shine alongside meticulous keys.
Near the end, “Honest Man” benefits greatly from a mandolin with some bluegrass nods, and “Oh I Get To Know You” exits the listen with a quick a cappella excursion that welcomes plenty of lovely vocal harmonies.
Now nearly 15 years since her first album, Ivey again proves that she’s one of the brightest talents not only in her hometown, but across the globe in the area of indie-folk, and the sparing but effective use of upright bass, ukulele, and glockenspiel, among many others, only adds to the appeal of this stunning listen.
Travels well with: Kate Tucker And The Sons Of Sweden- The Shape The Color The Feel; Caitlin Sherman- Death To The Damsel