Album Review // Alexa Gurley // ROOTS
4/5 stars
Edinboro-based artist Alexa Gurley introduces herself with ROOTS, a debut album that's grounded and emotionally rich. With influences of indie folk and acoustic Americana, the singer-songwriter delivers a deeply personal album, each track shaped by stories close to home and with instrumentals she performed herself. Gurley's deep connection to music began at a young age, and she has since showcased her talents at both local and international music festivals. Driven by textured instrumentals and soft vocals, ROOTS carries an intimate, lived-in feel that invites listeners into Gurley's world. The album features a blend of slow, mellow tunes with artsy, upbeat tracks. The second track, "Back To My Roots," delivers a heartfelt ode to Gurley's personal journey of rediscovery. Gurley leans into a rustic sound throughout ROOTS, letting each note breathe with quiet intention. The album closes with "Said," a song featuring strong vocals and an upbeat melody paired with humble lyrics reflecting the influence of Gurley's mother and grandmother. Themes of healing and confrontation weave through ROOTS' seven songs, where Gurley embraces raw, soothing acoustic melodies and emotionally stripped-down songwriting. With streams in more than 16 countries, ROOTS signals the arrival of a promising voice from northwestern Pennsylvania.
