Ezmay Grace’s ´Lien Gwerin´ (meaning folk tales in Cornish) brings us a beautiful collection of songs with exciting narratives and evocative vocal delivery. Ezmay’s crystalline voice shimmers delicately throughout the album, and her vocal clarity brings the stories of her songs to life. The musical character and song topics clearly reflect her environment living in Cornwall and the south-west, evoking a landscape rugged, yet serene.

Ezmay Grace’s arrangements are overall sensitive and understated. The music adds a comforting sonic backdrop but never gets in the way of the voice or distracts from the story. I love how the album tracks continue to build in emotional intensity throughout. The sixth track, ´Faina´ which is based upon Eowyn Ivey´s novel ´The Snow Child´ and has emotive icy vocal harmonies in the chorus which conjure up imagery of a beautiful storm and feels like the natural climax of the album. The vocals in the refrain of the last track, ´Siren Song´ have a unique texture giving the song the sense of an other-worldly atmosphere. The effect of texturing is also present on ´Koswick´ where the use of violin is impactful, almost sounding like another voice joining the conversation.

Overall, ´Lien Gwerwin´ is well produced, with thoughtful lyrics and considered arrangements. Ezmay Grace’s voice has a unique quality to it which she uses superbly to express a full palette of emotions throughout the album. I highly recommend it for appreciators of contemporary folk who enjoy the timeless art of narrative folk tales.

Ezmay Grace’s ´Lien Gwerin´ is set for release on 12 August 2025.

For a taste of what’s to come, listen to a preview of the first single, ´Meandering River´

(click on the song to listen to the full track on Spotify)

Explore Ezmay Grace’s world of folk tales: