Why You Runnin'

The five songs on this impressive debut EP cover a good swath of modern folk. “Little Lovin’” is a lively foot-stomper; the gospel piano ballad “Oh Mississippi” conjures goose bumps; and Lissie wraps Hank Williams’ “Wedding Bells” in warm reverb and changes the lyrics to reflect a female perspective and the results are outstanding. The four original songs are all well written, particularly the highly emotional “Everywhere I Go” and “Here Before,” but what truly stands out is her remarkable voice. Aching and evocative, vulnerable yet self-assured, Lissie Maurus’ pipes can be powerful like Neko Case’s one moment and eerie and affecting like Chan Marshall’s (Cat Power) the next. Joined by Bill Reynolds, who also produced, and Tyler Ramsey of Band of Horses, the overall sound is spacious, ethereal, and gorgeous. *Why You Runnin’* signals big things to come from Lissie Maurus.