“Before the Dawn,” the sophomore album from Fairport native Claudia Hoyser is an ethereal dive into modern Americana and country. Hoyser’s unique voice and emotional vulnerability create something new and fresh, sultry and sweet. For fans of indie and country, this LP is sure to turn heads. W hile exploring themes like growth and healing, “Before the Dawn” is more than a group of songs; it’s a testimony. The opening track, “Girl in Blue,” trickles through the ear slowly, a contemplative start with a country twang. The melancholy melody that Hoyser sings is easy to follow along and beckons listeners to join in. “Breathing Smoke,” meanwhile, is gentle but with a darker edge and haunting vocals expressing frustration at the “almosts” that never truly catch flame. The soulfully moody “We Grew Together” brings all the emotion, exploring what it means to prevail over the inevitability of growing apart. In “Tides Gonna Rise,” Hoyser strikes a powerful country groove, and her smoky voice is addictive, showing off her true power in the chorus. In “North of Spring,” whimsical and energetic guitar helps Hoyser tell a story about going anywhere, with no specific destination in mind. In the heart-wrenching “Lie Baby Lie,” the singer talks about “putting off an inevitable demise” and the pain it can cause. Purposeful guitar strums drive each emotion, and it’s a tearjerker; keep a handkerchief nearby. The closing title track, “Before the Dawn,” gently fades into white noise, lingering in the tender atmosphere Hoyser has created with her second album. Leah Joy is a contributor to CITY. The post REVIEW | ‘Before the Dawn’ by Claudia Hoyser appeared first on CITY Magazine. Arts. Music. Culture.. ...read more read less