Lilith Fair Kid
Self-Released, 2025
8/10
This first album from the singer-songwriter Emily Popli tackles some heavy topics across these 9 soulful tracks that welcome several guests.
“The Elephant” opens with Davy Tyson’s warm keys alongside Popli’s expressive and soaring pipes that are powerful, and “Alight” follows with Brett Lucas’ radiant guitar tone amid Matt Girarud’s husky voice that suits Popli’s heartfelt pipes.
“Nothing” and “Water Glass” arrive in the middle. The former offers a dreamy mood via the poetic singing and Jason Gittinger’s agile drumming, while the latter embraces pops ideas that benefits from Matt Ryan’s bass and the layered melodies.
Arriving close to the end, “Michigan” allows for Ryan Romanik’s spirited harmonica to complement the frisky and energetic album highlight, and “Play” exits with a stylish demeanor of rich instrumentation, beats and neo-soul nods.
An excellent first outing, Popli’s wordplay isn’t always upbeat, but the songs are quite infectious via the blues, soul, R&B, country and pop sensibilties.
Travels well with: Kevin Koplar- To A Better Dark; Knotted Wood- Middle Of Tomorrow