Ivy Wye
Quite a lovely debut EP here from Ontario’s Ivy Wye. The singer-songwriter has found herself collaborating in the past with RSTB fave James Matthew VII, but here she’s taking the center spotlight herself. Modeled in the vein of 70’s folk records that skew towards the fog-formed English variety, with just a touch of the Canyon folk that seems to be creeping in everywhere lately, Hope’s Convenience is a lovely dip into Ivy’s talent. Touches of Linda Perhacs, Kathy Smith, Susan Christie, and Linda Rondstadt grace the record, framing her affecting voice in gorgeously ornamented productions laced with flutes, dew-damp organ and patiently plucked acoustics.
Wye’s songwriting lilts on the air, a wavering spirit that’s lost, found, and in love with the grandeur of her influences. She embraces the cloud cover and threat of rain for the most part, but there are lighter moments like the jocular romp through “The Jester.” It’s certainly a record that leaves the listener wanting much more beyond the five tracks here (the sixth is a bit of a transition). It places her not only among her heroes, but alongside a newer tradition of folk from more modern troubadours like Leah Senior, Jess Willamson, Drugdealer, or Weyes Blood. Can’t wait to see where she goes from here.
Support the artist. Buy it HERE.