Le Ren - “May Hard Times Pass Us By”

SXSW 2022 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 4

Pairs Well With…Joni Mitchell, Big Thief, Laura Marling

Canadian folk artist Le Ren takes strong inspiration from her minimal, 70s Americana and country forefathers and mothers on debut record Leftovers, an ultra-delicate album that resonates off soft, intricate vocal melodies and softly picked acoustic guitars. Vulnerable, melancholy, and rooted, Le Ren’s control in such a tender environment is impressive. Her voice is ghostly but from a low and rich place, notes that constantly sound on the edge of teetering without collapse. It carries the emotional weight of her music soundly, living within its space rather than riding on top of it. The result is pretty and bare - hopefully her showcase at Swan Dive on Wednesday night for POP Montreal draws a pin-drop quiet crowd as she plays right in between other recommended artists fan clubwallet and Ada Lea. (Kevin McStravick)