Album Review: Avery Hellman's ISMAY Showcases Unique Sound on 'Desert Pavement'

Avery Hellman, known musically as ISMAY, has released a new album entitled 'Desert Pavement', remarkable for its pleasant mix of acoustic tones and eclectic flair. Hellman, a rural Californian artist with deep musical roots, presents a voice that's both endearing and distinctive, offering listeners a quirky alto that highlights the unique perspective from which they craft songs.

A Rich Acoustic Experience

Produced alongside Andrew Marlin, Hellman's 'Desert Pavement' is an extensive blend of rich soundscapes. The album is like a canvas painted with warm melodies you can't help humming, such as those featured in the track 'Stranger in the Barn,' where even the producer Marlin can be heard whistling along.

The instrumentation on 'Desert Pavement' showcases an intricate mix of fingerpicked guitar, subtle backing vocals, and a depth of rhythm that makes these primarily acoustic tracks inviting to turn up. A standout element is the nuanced drum work, which adds an almost palpable resonance that can be felt as well as heard.

Stories Sung from the Heart

Throughout the album, Hellman draws on themes of nature, animal encounters, and rural life. With songs like 'The Ohio,' listeners are taken on a journey through desert landscapes, enduring winds, and the pull of the river's current. 'Coyote in the Road' presents a thoughtful reflection from both human and animal perspectives, and 'The Shearer & the Darby Ram' brings to life a story from British tradition.

The album doesn't shy away from tougher subjects, touching upon the hidden intricacies of family life, domestic trials, and the broader human struggles involving empathy and morality. Hellman brings these themes into relief with the poignant lyric, 'My pathway to others is paved out in records.'

'Desert Pavement' serves as an open invitation for listeners to explore the world of ISMAY, a place where storytelling and songwriting intersect in a memorable musical journey.

acoustic, folk, songwriting