Change Is Hard
Self-Released, 2026
8/10
The Nashville Americana artist Kirby Lyle pens a protest EP, where the 6 songs explore joy, justice, grief and unity with much sincerity.
“The Thinking Man” starts the listen with Lyle’s flowing voice and animated guitar alongside Kyle Tuttle’s well timed banjo that suits the upbeat bluegrass nods, and “Change Is Hard” follows with Jordan Perlson’s thumping drums and Erika Nalow’s strategic saxophones that add much to the rich, harmonic climate.
“Joy” and “Carl’s Song” land in the middle. The former welcomes Maya de Vitry’ gorgeous vocal harmonies to the uplifting, nearly spiritual mood, while the latter showcases Anthony da Costa’s spirited electric guitar via the more folk-rock focused EP highlight.
“Wind Chimes” exits, and places John Mailander on violin and Jordan Perlson on percussion amid the textured and building finish that’s powerful and meticulous.
Lyle’s got a voice you won’t soon forget and his guitar playing isn’t anything to spit at, either, where his mashing of folk, Americana, and roots rock yields a protest record that’s more relevant than either right now.
Travels well with: C. Daniel Boling- It Matters; Tim Grimm- Bones Of Trees