EP REVIEW: Iona Summer – Maryhill

‘…a spirited and engaging exploration of class dynamics, substance abuse, and the experience of being a young woman in a chaotic world…’

Late last year, Glasgow-born Liverpool-based singer-songwriter Iona Summer emerged with her debut single, ‘Nobody’s Bitch’, which perfectly introduced the world to Summer’s defiant yet vulnerable exploration of youth, told through a feminist lens. Now with a collection of singles and multiple headline shows under her belt, Summer saw fit to release her debut EP, ‘Maryhill’.

A deeply personal body of work, ‘Maryhill’ recounts Summer’s transition from childhood poverty, to a young musician, and how her view of her roots has shifted over time. At times thumping fun, and at times genuinely heartbreaking, it makes for a spirited and engaging exploration of class dynamics, substance abuse, and the experience of being a young woman in a chaotic world.

‘Heart for a Home (Glasgow)’ is a brooding opening number that deals with the realities of growing up in a working class household. Summer provides a bristling, theatrical performance, with her smoky lower register sitting perfectly next to powerful belted notes. The instrumental evolves through folk and grunge ideas, and builds towards an electrifying climax that spirals upwards, with Summer showcasing a bittersweet love for her home city.

‘Jack Daniel’s’ is a buoyant folkish number whose jovial sonic nature contrasts the bitter lyricism that deals with teenage sexual assault; it perhaps captures the sentiment of Summer putting on a mask and keeping up the celebrations, attempting to avoid directly confronting the damage done by the assailant. In a similar vein, ‘Mirror Image’ has a bright, folk-pop instrumental decorated with carefree acoustic strumming, whilst Summer uses her infectious melodies to sing of a complex and strained paternal relationship. The breezy choruses are a particular highlight not just of the track, but the EP as a whole.

‘Ivory’ offers a particularly fantastic vocal performance from Summer, as she ducks and weaves between the opposite ends of her vocal range, lending a bewitching yet whimsical feeling to the track. Beneath these vocals sits a bluesy instrumental marked by stylish guitar riffing and stomping percussion, effortlessly sweeping the listener upwards.

The EP sees Summer return to where she started with the closing number, ‘Maryhill’. After attempting to leave the trauma of her unstable childhood behind, and exploring what it means to be a young woman from a background of poverty, she returns to where she started with an unexpected sense of nostalgia and appreciation for her roots. It’s a gorgeously composed conclusion, with simple nature allowing Summer’s storytelling to shine through.

For a conclusion to Summer’s opening arc as a musician, ‘Maryhill’ is a perfect project. This is more than just a collection of tracks, but a real showcase of storytelling from an exciting and engaging musician who truly has a lot more to give. It would not be too surprising if Summer is the next indie star in the making.

RATING: 79/100 – Mostly Very Good

For Fans Of: Amy Macdonald, Joni Mitchell, Duffy, Lacy J Dalton, Chappell Roan

Follow the artist on social media below:

Instagram // Spotify