Ever After
The Louisville Kentucky native’s returned with her solo debut, Before Lately. Cheyenne Marie Mize first gleaned attention from her earlier collaboration with Bonnie “Prince” Billy on the album Among the Gold, and as a known member of Billy’s touring band, but it’s her latest album where Cheyenne is able to come into her own.
Before Lately slowly eases into a ten one-worded song album with the title track, simply titled “Best.” The plucking guitar strings are instantly captivating and her lyrics immediately draw out the raw emotions that follow suit throughout the album: “I tried my hardest to be what you wanted / But now, we both see, it was all for the best / It was all for the best / I left and you thought I would be brokenhearted / I didn’t expect you to ever forgive me,” repeating endlessly in hopes of one day moving on. Following closely is the appropriately titled “Rest,” a song for a time of reflection and peace of mind. Cheyenne’s purity in her songwriting adds to the simplistically slow swaying violin and her tender-bluesy vocals. “Path” changes up the album with a more upbeat tone, the presence of wind chimes and faint rattles that lures you to want more.
Before Lately is acutely fascinating. Her raw talent is to be admired, and her smoky voice to be envied. There is no doubt that Cheyenne has learned how to successfully channel hurt and heartbreak into a promising future.
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