The world is no longer recognisable, extremism is on the rise, a pandemic is in full swing and racism is thriving. Jeremy Ivey paints a sombre picture on his second album. Especially with the single Waiting Out the Storm which he cowrote with his wife Margo Price, a major figure in today’s americana scene as well as this record’s producer. After a modest debut in 2019, (The Dream and the Dreamer), the Nashville songwriter pursues his narrative art with similar precision. Positioned between folk rock (with some very heavy hints of Dylan, clearly his main influence) and city rock (his shifty phrasing reminds one of Lou Reed) as well as some country traits, Ivey manages to prevent the album from being overly anchored in the past. His classic sound and melodies quickly create a timeless effect. This is even more the case when Ivey really gets the ball rolling and lets himself loose rhythmically speaking (Hands Down in Your Pockets). A most charming voice albeit not the most original… © Marc Zisman/Qobuz