Two features that jump out first: the most striking of sunlit covers yielding so many connotations and a convoluting album title sparking a host of mysterious threads. Complexities surrounding this Ivy Ryan release are abound to the extent that you have to weave around a lot of nuances before eventually seeing an underdog triumph. Through a haze of vulnerability this Virginia-based artist eases from basking in tranquility to soaring sirens to ultimately winning over a curious listener forever willing her on. A NON AGGRESSIVE EXTREME VIOLATION OF BOUNDARIES is a culmination of a journey from covers to proudly strutting originals without losing sight of the past.
Two associates were name checked in the press release. The soft indie vibes of Phoebe Bridgers definitely linger in the level headed tranquil strains to 'The Show', while the worn country rock chops of Brandi Carlile , minus the infectious warble, flicker in the voluminous areas of the big sounding lavish operatic rock piece 'The Weight'. Additionally the key ballad 'Eternity' echoes with resemblance. The latter also draws comparisons in 'The Best I Can' where the listener finally locks their belief in the music of Ivy Ryann.
This album born from an artist schooled in the influences of commercial rock and country is interestingly book ended by contrasting tracks. A five-minute long moody opener titled 'The Losing' sets the scene lovely before we are shepherded out the door forty minutes later with an accompaniment of running water and solo piano. This finale going by the name 'In Wanting' crowns the complexity, but soothes like an effective remedy.
To slim down this ten-track effort a touch, Ryann re-works 'The Weight' as an orchestral version and tosses in a subtle cover of 'Walk the Line'. An all-encompassing rendition that would surely be saluted by the Man in Black for its wide-reaching qualities. Two songs to complete the track list nestle in the album's midriff with 'Take it All Back' diving deep into the heart's pit and 'Driveway Prayers' extending the breadth of the writing.
Throughout the span of A NON AGGRESSIVE EXTREME VIOLATION OF BOUNDARIES the songs simmer and controlled guitars generally stay on the leash. The impact is of one acutely curated pondering amidst a strong and forceful pride. The press release concludes with no tours planned yet. However the spotlight looms large for Ivy Ryann on the basis of this cracking effort that stands astride a fault line where immersive vocals and song sensibilities bubble up.