Her Bright Smile Haunts Me Still
Adhyâropa, 2026
9/10
Listen to Her Bright Smile Haunts Me Still
The folk artist and percussive dance star, Sophie Wellington, handles all instruments across these jazz, folk and classically influenced and harmonic 10 songs.
“Scolding Wife” starts with the warm guitar playing and Wellington’s playful percussive ideas amid the melodic climate, and “Shacks And Chalets” follows with the intimate singing alongside cozy guitar that aligns with a mountain-esque spirit.
“Jack Of Diamonds” occupies the middle spot and radiates much grace thanks to the meticulous guitar progressions, while “Shirt Of Lace” offers a poetic mood that’s pretty and heartfelt.
Near the end, “Black Pats Peel” moves with a technical delivery that’s light and mesmerizing, and the title track exits with gentle singing and emotive guitar which is stirring and eloquent.
A record with plenty of Appalachia influence, Wellington puts a fresh coat of paint on some really old songs via her singing, dancing and flatpicking approach that uses fiddle sparingly and makes us a fan pretty quick.
Travels well with: Whispering Woods- Cosmic Cliffs; Ezra- Froggy’s Demise