8/10

Over these last few years, Bristol-based singer-songwriter Ryan McMurtry has been conjuring this beautifully warm and endearing direction in which to call his own. Combining his soft and supple vocals with a wonderfully expansive approach to both instrumentation and production has given him a beautifully tender aesthetic that always seems to capture a simple beauty and emotion as it plays. And after a riveting run of releases in recent months, he now cements his latest era with the eagerly-awaited 'Ashes EP', a collection that hones more of that passionate appeal he is known for.

Featuring the previously shared gems 'Summer Rain' and 'Full Picture', this new three-track offering looks to harness yet more of that warm and progressive indie-folk tone he is known for. Offering up some brilliantly warm and welcoming textures at every turn, the 'Ashes EP' certainly builds on the dynamic foundations of his earlier 'Thoughts Like Birds' EP last year. It is this smooth yet innovative vigour he brings to his material that truly stands out here, as he makes light work of these sombre grooves that always project a lofty and more endearing flavour throughout.

While plenty had already been said about his recent efforts prior to this, hearing all of his newest offerings under one roof really highlights the rich and alluring world he has been cooking up lately. Brimming with such an absorbing atmosphere from start to finish, Ryan McMurtry continues to shine as one of the more mesmerising names on the rise right now.