Sister Ray’s sophomore album Believer is a compelling evolution of Toronto-based singer-songwriter Ella Coyes’ distinctive alternative folk sound. Building on the foundations laid by 2022’s Communion, the record leans into introspection and emotional nuance, blending patient guitar lines, steady percussion, and shimmering keys to create a spacious, atmospheric backdrop for Coyes’ raw and expressive vocals. Recorded in Brooklyn with producer Jon Nellen—whose work with Big Thief informs the record’s intimate yet expansive feel—the album demonstrates a stronger sense of self and a deepened confidence in both songwriting and performance.
The title track, “Believer,” immediately sets the tone, balancing reflective melancholy with subtle instrumentation and a pop-inflected saxophone that adds brightness without disrupting the album’s contemplative mood. Songs like “Wings” and “Unfolding” highlight Coyes’ ability to explore personal and relational complexities with nuance, weaving folk and Americana influences into melodies that are both tender and memorable. Collaborations with Marc Ribot, Paul Spring, and Isaiah Barr add layers of texture, enhancing the record without overshadowing Coyes’ central voice.
Tracks such as “Andrew Alexander” and “Animal Thing” reveal a quieter, more introspective side, emphasizing mood over flash. Coyes’ voice—gritty, intimate, and occasionally raw—pairs perfectly with these arrangements, inviting listeners into the subtle emotional spaces the album inhabits. Meanwhile, songs like “Magic” offer moments of warmth and self-celebration, providing balance and demonstrating the album’s careful attention to emotional pacing.
While Believer remains rooted in Sister Ray’s established sonic palette, it also shows clear growth. Coyes navigates themes of identity, love, and personal transformation with a steadier hand and a heightened sense of musicality. The album rewards repeated listening, revealing new textures, lyrical details, and instrumental interplay with each play.
Ultimately, Believer is a luminous, lived-in record that cements Ella Coyes as a singular voice in contemporary alternative folk. With its combination of heartfelt songwriting, thoughtful arrangements, and expressive performances, Sister Ray delivers a sophomore album that is both confident and quietly transformative, inviting listeners to engage deeply with its emotional and sonic landscape. – Jason Felton
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