It’s much harder for an artist to make an all-encompassing impression with just an EP rather than a full album. Not so with Eryn Allen Kane and “Aviary: Act II,” however, a five-song soul showcase that feels both part of the revivalist zeitgeist (led by artists like Leon Bridges and Alabama Shakes) and totally fresh. If “Aviary: Act I” didn’t convince you that she’s the real deal (if so, seriously?), this will.
Picking up where she left off on the project’s first act, Kane jumps between rock ‘n’ roll, soul, gospel and R&B, and her rich voice keeps everything together. Sunny opener “Sunday” places itself in the well-worn category of pop songs that recite the days of the week, but Kane transcends the trope with earworm hooks and breezy harmonies. It’s a radio-ready track that’s a way-too-early candidate for song of the summer.
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Same goes for the bluesy stunner “Honey,” which includes infectious outbursts of, “Give me some sugar, baby!” and “Let it rain, let it pour!” Toward the end of the song, she channels the intensity of classics like the Isley Brothers’ “Shout!” with a feverish breakdown that simmers until a raucous boil. It’s not always a jubilant jam session though; “How Many Times” takes the fast-paced romp through American soul to slower, justice-minded balladry. That song is the EP’s emotional centerpiece, as her voice reaches near-window shattering range.
“Now and Then” hits the same beats as the best Alabama Shakes songs, with sauntering electric guitars and its plea of “Wish I could crawl back into your thighs.” For a closing track, it doesn’t get much better than “Dead or Alive,” which finds Kane’s voice so persistently incredible it occasionally feels like she’s showing off. It’s a fitting end to a well-executed release that highlights so many facets of such an obvious talent. Kane’s belting her way to becoming the next great Chicago export.
[Full disclosure: This review was based on initial masters sent by the artist’s management. The final product, while nearly identical, wasn’t available at the time of review.]
3.5 stars (out of four)
In concert: Feb. 19 at City Winery
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