Melyssa Lee is a Calgary, Canada-based acoustic folk artist who has featured a few times before on the blog. She first hit our pages as part of Jane’s Made In Canada round up in February, which Jane then followed up with an interview. Now it’s my turn to run the rule over Melyssa’s music thanks to her debut EP Simply.

By Graeme Smith

Simply consists of six acoustic versions of her tracks that touch on life and love. Fans of folk and Americana will instantly find a home in it, as well as those who like things a little poppier in the vein of KT Tunstall and Chrissie Hynde.

The EP opens with My Guarantee. Melyssa’s vocals are instantly captivating, poured over a gentle acoustic guitar melody. It’s a romantic track, but it’s not saccharine. The storytelling in the lyrics is raw and descriptive and there’s a strong sense of vulnerability about it all. It’s the perfect introduction, compelling the listener to hear more.

Title track Simply is a light and lilting piano-led lullaby and meditation on motherhood. Learning To Love is a heart-rendering number with pleading, bitter lyrics. Yet, it’s tempered by a sense of forgiveness and acceptance of human nature. Laughter and Roses breathes a weary sigh, reflecting on how love can be hard work, but it’s also full of warm sentiments. Sunflower has an atmosphere that’s wonderfully rendered through guitar and vocals. It’s a highlight.

Last Words closes the EP suitably with a rich echoing tale of loss and death. It’s a powerful, heart-breaking end to a collection that’s full of honest emotion.

Simply is an EP that stands out through Melyssa Lee’s way with words. She shines new light on universal themes with this debut acoustic EP. All the while, she keeps things easy to listen to, with a style that sits nicely between traditional and modern. If you’re looking for a soulful, intimate journey today, then look no further than Simply. You can give it a listen below.