CD REVIEW: ASHLEY RILEY – Can’t Let You Go [EP]

Label: Riled Up Records

Release Date: March 3, 2017

Rating: 9/10

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

There seems to be a run on Americana music lately, and while it isn’t my go to, it is becoming something I will listen to without cringing.  The latest from Ashley Riley is a mish-mash of the Americana groove with some country tossed in for good measure.  Drape some poppy vocals and catchy melodies over top and you have a really good 7-track EP.  “Lonely” kicks this disc off and you are instantly thrown into old school country territory that features all the twang of classic country from eras gone by.  Riley’s vocals add a modern feel to the music, while the solid guitar work keeps the song flowing from open to close.  Title track “Can’t Let You Go” is a personal favorite that grabbed me from the first listen and has only grown more on me with every listen.  The vocals are rich and give the song an emotional edge that makes it stand out amongst the other great songs on this collection.  “Country Song” has a tempo that is contagious and gets the foot tapping from the first note.  The band follows along and gives Ashley the perfect landscape to showcase her vocals.

“Tell Me Why” slows things down a bit from the first two tracks, but the layered vocals give the song a different feel than some of the others.  The chorus is strong and catchy.  While not an upbeat track by any means, the songs musical track keeps the song from dragging.  “Wait A Minute” is another cool track like “Country Song” that keeps the cadence flowing and the mood up.  This song truly shows off the Americana spice of the artist and her supporting cast of players.  The guitars add punch while the bass and drums keep the song anchored.  “Lovers” is a bit mellower track that leans back into old school country territory.  The slightly raspy vocal gives the song a different sound and feel than some of the other tracks without totally deviating from the musical path cut by the other tracks.  Disc closer “Leaving Nashville” has some great slide / steel guitar that kicks the song off, but the real star here is the emotional lyric delivered perfectly by Riley.  The vibe of this song gets you to push play and start the EP over and over.  Hopefully this EP is an indication of other material Ashley has brewing in her head for fans chomping for other material.

Tracklisting: Lonely – Can’t Let You Go – Tell Me Why – Country Song – Wait A Minute – Lovers – Leaving Nashville

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Category: CD Reviews