No Smoke And Mirrors (Warner Nashville, 2023)
Walker County
Reviewed by Kevin Oliver
Ivy's lead voice and Sophie's rhythms on the drum kit are the foundation of what they've created here, and songs such as "Yours Tonight" reveal the power behind that combination. Ivy's style echoes contemporary and classic singers, from Lorrie Morgan to Kimberly Perry, and the slow build of the arrangement imbues it with power and grace.
They're not immune to current trends, with "Between Boyfriends" an example that incorporates the rock production of bro-country along with the same tired tropes, for the only real misstep of this release.
When they get it right, however, it's a blast – see "Stoned," written with Ashley Monroe. On it, the sisters employ their natural harmony to help a great chorus hit as hard as the substances they are metaphorically singing about. Or the arresting "Mirror Mirror," which turns the fairy tale object into a pivotal character in an uplifting country song. Even the pseudo-gospel duet with Greylan James, "You and Jesus," gets by on a bit of children's church song nostalgia.
So when is a debut more than just a debut? When it comes from an obviously experienced pair of performers who are comfortable enough to at least appear to be themselves amongst all the contemporary Nashville glitz and glitter.
CDs by Walker County
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