I might be in the minority, but I don’t mind this period of isolation. I am missing certain things of course, and I have my worries. But I’m enjoying the slower pace. Work has quietened, and rather than thinking too far ahead about that I’m relishing the opportunity to take a little more time for passions. I’m spending a lot of time with music, enjoying the kind of deep listening that comes when you’re not trying to get a million things done at the same time. Rather than listening once or twice, then moving on to the next thing, I’ve spent all day listening to Running With the Wolves, the debut EP from New South Wales’ Azure Ryder. It’s made my day that much brighter.
That I could listen to this EP on repeat when it has just four songs is a testament to their quality. Each one is a standout, anchored by Azure’s warm, husky tone and honest songwriting. The opening track “Dizzy” is a powerful meditation on the importance of being open, to relationships and life in general. “Wolves” is a delicate acoustic guitar ballad, a poignant moment that is much gentler than you might expect of a song referencing wild animals. We emerge from the dreamy “Wolves” with “Stir the Dust,” a call to arms that harnesses pain as a force for change and growth. The EP ends with “Crimson,” a poetic exploration of a complicated relationship. Azure weaves references to nature through her songs. The sky, the rain, the earth, fire, these elements ground these songs and give them an even greater, tangible beauty.
“This is really the beginning of my story,” Azure explained “these songs are my leap of faith, taking control over the way I choose to wear my heart over my chest. I believe that feelings know no limits and music allows for that freedom. I hope that this EP will remind whoever listening that it is okay to feel everything, it’s okay to be human, it’s okay to feel alive! Own it, every little piece of yourself, that’s yours and no one else’s.”
I am so impressed with Running With the Wolves. It’s an accessible collection of songs that gets richer with every listen. I can’t wait to hear the rest of Azure Ryder’s story unfold. Running With the Wolves is out now.
Image used with permission from Universal Music Australia