REQUIRED LISTENING: Idle Empress craft fantastic, homegrown folk on debut EP

Hailing from Justin Vernon‘s hometown of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Idle Empress are here to make folk fun again. Comprised of vocalist Lauren Anderson, guitarist Josh Frederick, and drummer Elliot Heinz, these intuitive up-and-comers have turned countless heads throughout the Badger State, and now look to take their talents far beyond the Chippewa Valley with the arrival of their fantastic, self-titled debut.

Expertly crafted and easy to swallow, the trio’s freshman outing is as enchanting as their rustic homeland, built upon memorable melodies and playful instrumentation. Anderson is electric throughout, and even the cover art—courtesy of Dairyland native Ella Strei—is marvelous and engrossing. It’s a simple release, but not in a negative sense, and what it lacks in length it more than makes up for in uncompromising quality.

Give Idle Empress a listen after the break, and feel free to swoon with us in the comments section.

Kyle Florence
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