Mnemonics
Mother West, 2025
9/10
The indie/atl/folk/pop songwriter Amy Jay is joined by some excellent players for these 10 songs that clearly are rooted in self-reflection and are pieced together meticulously.
The playful and cozy mood of “How The Mind Can Be A Trap” opens with Jay’s inviting voice alongside the thumping drums that touches of folk-rock, and “Margins” follows with a crisp and quicker pace thanks to Sam Skinner’s warm guitar and the emotive singing.
At the halfway point, “Can’t Go Back” is strong on ambience in a moody climate that’s intimate, while “Excuse Me” is textured with both grace and exploration that buzzes in just over a minute.
Landing close to the end, “Floral Comfort” weaves in and out of dream-pop nods that are melodic and cozy and make this the album’s best, and “Compassion” exits with soft acoustic guitar and Jay’s stirring voice amid atmosphere and lushness.
A raw and emotive body of work, Jay balances heartfelt moments with haunting bouts, where introspection and nostalgia are part of the very thoughtful equation.
Travels well with: Bandits On The Run- Now Is The Time; Brian Straw- Baby Stars/Dead Languages