Artists You Should Know: Sophie Woodhouse Conjures a Universe of Her Own on New Ethereal Album “Fragilehearted”

When she’s not working as a concert photographer or a radio host, Nevada singer-songwriter Sophie Woodhouse is busy making her own music reflective of her many influences. Woodhouse, who best described her discography as a “collection of nursery rhymes fit for a ghost,” is heavily inspired by alternative 90s acts such as Mazzy Star and Elliott Smith.

But on her new album, Fragilehearted, she returns to drums and bass lines, adding an edge not initially present in her mostly acoustic songs from before. It’s a welcomed change, showing a willingness to evolve without compromising her uniquely hushed voice.

“Rosewater” jumps into a dark post-punk whirlpool while Woodhouse’s soft vocals float around like a wisp. The underlying sense of dread will surely send you into a slow trance, primarily due to the puzzling lyrics open to interpretation for how fantastical they sound when sung by Woodhouse. Overall, the song is as if you took out the hard-hitting noise in doom metal, leaving a swirling abyss that slowly sucks you in.

On “Die For Love,” Woodhouse’s utilization of her vocals as an instrument is fully realized, adding the same effect drones would. The distortion creeping up from above the Joy Division-esc bass line is what makes the track, while drums keep the track moving.

Most tracks are under two minutes, with “Always Night” standing out for how it takes its time across the 3-minute stretch. For the first portion, it’s only Woodhouse and the bass. The drums slowly come in, adding to the gradual buildup as she trails not far behind. Appropriately, the song feels like a wave goodbye, closing the album out to Woodhouse fading into the void.

ARTISTS YOU SHOULD KNOW

BEST NEW MUSIC

On top of Fragilehearted’s seven tracks, Woodhouse plans to release a deluxe edition with covers of Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and other original songs. Some of the material expected to be on the deluxe was originally intended to be on the album. However, the songs didn’t make the cut in time for the October release date that Woodhouse already announced.“

This tiny record took me an immeasurable amount of time to write, play, record, edit, finalize, and decide to put out into this earthly realm,” she said on her Instagram.

With or without the other tracks, Fragilehearted is still a solid and natural progression from Woodhouse’s acoustic work, signaling a new and exciting direction.

Words: David Sosa

Fragilehearted by Sophie Woodhouse is out on all streaming services. For more on new music and potential shows, follow her on Instagram and Bandcamp.