Hollysseus Fly is the vocalist, co-writer and pianist of the critically acclaimed collective Ishmael Ensemble and Birthpool is her first EP. She started writing its songs in spring 2021 when recovering from treatment for breast cancer; as such the circumstances could have led to a gloomy listen, but this is an EP with a sense of positive movement, from post-cancer grief to finding new creative energy and identity.
“Bloom” transforms from mournful stillness (“nothing blooms all year/don’t plant me in fear/detangling takes time”) to self-defiant discovery (“I’ll bloom/when I choose to”), and “Marigold” gradually increases in its power, repeatedly asking “why are you weeping/when she’s only sleeping?” Both tracks are rooted in deep resonant piano chords with Hollysseus’ soulful vocal providing a questioning counterpoint.
Flashes of innovation compliment the overall intimate tone. “A Weight Too Heavy” surprises by lifting off into an ethereal, acrobatic vocal. The elegant accompaniment and refrain of “Within The Water” (featuring additional writing, piano and organ by James Graham) initially suggests a sweet dream, but becomes a surreal nightmare of extreme introspection.
For those needing extra stimulation there are beats, albeit minimalist (additional drums and percussion by James Vine); these enhance “Under Your Sun” and “Teach Me”, the latter a playful consideration of power differentiation (or perhaps man-splaining).
Birthpool is a striking and memorable solo debut.
Available on download and limited vinyl.
Release Date: 06 NOV 2023
Poetic Justice 