Detroit-based singer-songwriter Derby Hill crafts a warmly sincere debut EP steeped in folk, country, and roots tradition. Influenced by artists including Steve Earle, Leonard Cohen, and John Prine, the Chicago-recorded release thrives on unvarnished storytelling and memorable arrangements. “These are songs of families trying to survive the day,” the artist says. “Songs of losing people you love. Songs about stepping forward even when it feels impossible to do that. These are songs of reconciliation and redemption.”
“Restless and Forgiven” commences the EP in beautiful form, weaving heartfelt vocals with a stirring array of twangy guitars, solemn piano, and blaring organs. A glimpse of fiddle integrates as the introspective vocals venture into riveting guitar pluckiness, continuing with harmonious allure throughout and into a satiating, playful “la-la-la” vocal send-off. “Red Honey Wine” captivates next, alluring in smitten sentiments as vocals hope to “…walk with you” — and having their love “wait for me” through hardship. A smooth blend of acoustic strums and twangy electric guitar adorn the “drink red honey wine” lyrical warmness with replay-tempting appeal.
Another standout track, “Anything’s Possible Here” is especially inviting in its affecting vocal duet and mingling of soft acoustics and mellow piano. “You’re still unstoppable, and I’m still excitable,” the vocals mingle as lovely, glowing strings build into the title-bearing encouragement. Reassurances in response to loneliness and self-doubt enamor within the lovely folk production. EP finale “In a Matter of Moments” stirs as well, where patient hits of percussion surrounds twangy assortments and lyrical perspectives on time. Full of heart and magnetic songwriting, Derby Hill is a lovely success of an EP.
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“Restless and Forgiven” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
