Call Of The Void
Self-Released, 2024
9/10
The guitarist and singer-songwriter Ashley E. Norton is joined by Johnny Garcia and Jimmy Mattingly for these 11 well thought out and memorable Americana tracks.
“Americana To Me” starts with the slight jangle and warm spirit from Norton’s cozy voice and hazy guitar alongside Garcia’s bouncy bass, and “Every Woman I Know” follows with Mattingly’s thumping drums that suit the darker mood of the eloquent climate.
Deeper into the listen, the sublime intimacy of “Going To California” amid Mattingly’s elegant cello makes for the unique take on a Led Zeppelin tune, while “The Fortune Teller” is a rich and dreamy album highlight that showcases Norton’s expressive voice.
Near the end, “I Wish” is a firm strummer which is a bit humorous via the relatable folk ideas, and “Songbirds In The Stars” exits with strings, guitars and percussion meeting at a playful intersection that’s also heartfelt.
A genuine effort that uses country, folk, rock and blues to her advantage, Norton wrote or co-wrote all but the lone cover, and the somewhat spontaneous album truly showcases her timeless songwriting abilities.
Travels well with: Erin Ash Sullivan- Signposts And Marks; Katie Oakes- Edge Of A Hurricane