Not Your Little Girl
Carid Aid, 2021
8/10
Listen to Not Your Little Girl
The debut album from Abby Bryant & The Echoes, Not Your Little Girl sees the outfit exploring their brand of southern rock with no shortage of soul, blues and Americana, where Anthony Dorion (bass), John Ginty (keys), Jeff Sipe (drums) and Bailey Faulkner (guitars) fluidly support Bryant’s glowing pipes.
Bryant starts the listen with the diverse title track, where some country grit and soulful brass complement her soaring, flawless singing, and “Tried” follows with a calmer approach of intimate Americana that benefits from precise drumming and well timed keys.
Further along, the bluesy spirit of “Had To” makes for a rugged yet melodic album highlight, while “Hold Me” displays agile bass lines amid the emotive and dreamy landscape. “Where Do I Go”, another exceptional track, then makes great use of organs alongside expressive singing that nearly channels a gospel like power.
Closer to the end, “Time Wasn’t On Our Side” showcases Bryant’s gorgeous voice via carefully textured grooves and “There’s No Way” finishes the listen with a sublime and charming exit to a very meticulous and memorable effort.
An album that thematically surrounds the shift into womanhood for Bryant as well as the band finding their identity in the music world, this first album solidifies Abby Bryant & The Echoes as future stars in the area of American roots and soul music.
Travels well with: Sara Trunzo- Cabin Fever Dream; Kashena Sampson- Time Machine