Les Ailes – Tennessee
Independent – Out Now
Les Ailes is the pseudonym of Rylie DeGarmo, the American songwriter, born in Seattle, but now firmly based in the South. Tennessee is the result of her travels and experiences in and around the State and marks DeGarmo’s second solo album, following 2020’s Perigee. Before that, she recorded with her father Chris DeGarmo, of Queensrÿche, on 2015’s The Rue.
It’s an impressive guestlist DeGarmo enlists here too. Joining her on the recording are Mike McCarthy on electric guitar and MPC drums, Christina Courtin on violin and viola, Matt Chamberlain on drums and percussion, Britt Daniel on guest vocals, Michael LaValle and Charles Spearin on bass, and Gabriel Cabezas on cello. Not only does DeGarmo write all the songs, she also performs vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, Lowrey organ, and ukulele.
The eight tracks on this short release, running at just over 30 minutes, are little gems. Despite its short run time, there is much to savour here, from the playful percussion of the opener ‘Cavaliers’ through the jazzy, hypnotic sway of ‘Another One’ to the delicate, hopeful fragility of ‘Forever, For Good’.
‘Lately’ is a resilient loaded piece of pop with a punchy chorus. Despite the refrain “Lately, I’m giving up, giving up, giving up, oh. Lately, it’s not enough, not enough, not enough, no” there is a toughness in the song, a palpable quiet anger echoed in DeGarmo’s honeyed harmonious voice.
Showing my age, ‘Run’ for me, recalled Portishead in its electronica and slight trip-hop vibe. No bad thing in my book. ‘Wrecking Ball’, rich with swirling strings and blended with a strong Seattle rock vibe, surprisingly works. It’s one of the ‘larger’ tracks on this beautifully neat album, demonstrating the ambition and self-confidence of DeGarmo.
One of the highlights is ‘Forever, For Good’. It’s a lush little piece of pop with a rather gorgeous sting arrangement by Christina Courtin. DeGarmo’s sweet, fragile vocals accompanied by the harder edge of Britt Daniels. It’s a wistful little romance to while away the day.
‘Paper Wings’ is a beautiful conclusion to the album. DeGarmo’s sweeping vocals gently overlaid by some simple percussion and pared-back electric guitar. It’s a quietly powerful finale.
With links to Soundgarden, Alice in Chains and Broken Social Scene, Tennessee is a captivatingly refreshing listen.
Rylie DeGarmo may still be something of a new name on the scene, but with Tennessee she proves herself to be an accomplished and confident songwriter. Combined with superb production by Mike McCarthy and mastered by Heba Kadry, Les Ailes is a force to be reckoned with. A cool, chilled, and thoroughly dreamy listen.
Order via Bandcamp: https://rylie.bandcamp.com/album/tennessee