ACL Live Review: Neighbor Lady

Although now based in Atlanta, Sunday 11:30am act Neighbor Lady originated in Athens, Ga. Opening up the petite BMI stage, they certainly sounded the part.

Before a small, relaxed assembly, singer Emily Braden’s deep drawl led a barrage of stormy, country-directed indie rock. Over a dusty 40 minutes, the lead songwriter’s sharp, soaring tone rang akin to breakout Athens act Mothers and twangy classics like Patsy Cline.

Drummer Andrew McFarland and bassist Merideth Hanscom previously played in considerable Athens indie acts Reptar and Semicircle, respectively. Jack Blauvelt’s Western guitar work rounded out the warm quartet.

Throughout, the dynamic tracks started small before swelling into churning storms of shuffling drums and smoky guitar bends. Gentle drop-downs left space for Braden and McFarland’s lovely Americana harmonization.

Working through all seven songs off May debut Maybe Later, the group proved equally adept at heavy noir and soft lullabies. Braden’s fiery voice led the charge, curling up around the edges of each lovely line for “I Wish Nothing.” The floaty, wistful tune harnesses the hurt of lost friendships, an aching album theme.

The singer’s delivery got scathingly sweet for single “Oh Honey,” a sassy, sauntering jaunt based on the thinly veiled tell-off, “Oh honey, what’s all the fuss about?” The simmering “Let It Bleed” tracked out the frontwoman’s talent for cautionary tales with moments of slow-burning stillness.

Demonstrating a well-swung range with a distinctly Southern aesthetic, Neighbor Lady joins the ranks of young guns pulling country music into new realms.