Manchester-based artist Bryony Lloyd enthralls with an affecting folk sound across her Aerial EP, which succeeds in both sparser intrigue and orchestral-tinged expanses. A reflective thematic success that explores various elements of human emotion, the EP represents continued success for Lloyd, who is a notable figure in the Manchester folk scene.
Opening the EP, “Never Never Never” weaves chilly acoustic layers with descriptions of a cold city — spine-tingling as Lloyd’s vocals ascend with a title-touting melancholy. “I’ve never had a hand given to me,” she continues, adorned by bellowing orchestral flourishes that craft a gorgeous chamber-folk allure. Shades of Joni Mitchell show fondly in the vocal tone, as does hints of Tennis’ Alaina Moore. The ensuing “4AM” continues to succeed in crafting a particular time and place, awakening in the early morning hours with wistful reflections. The tonal swell is riveting, from creaky acoustic sparseness to involved textures of twinkling piano and expansive undercurrents.
Casting an ethereal glow in its “what’s on your mind?” lyrical invitations, “Moon in Libra” also excels in its more minimalistic folk outpouring and soaring vocal mystique. Another standout arises in “When You Looked Away,” where plucky acoustics and poetic lyrical traversals move with haunting immersion. Aerial is a beautifully memorable folk success from Bryony Lloyd.
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The track is also featured in the genre-based, best-of Spotify compilation Emerging Indie Folk.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
