On Ancient Door, New Mexico-based singer-songwriter Jess Wayne delivers an album that blends folk, country, and blues into a raw, soulful reflection on love, loss, and living in the present. Tapping into his “Electric Bourbon Folk” sound, Wayne’s genre-fusing style is “smooth with a smoky finish,” and unmistakably earthy and genuine. The record is a journey through both personal and universal themes, with a heavy focus on emotional introspection as he combines the soulful storytelling of an artist like Eddie Vedder with the grit and drama of Nick Cave.
Wayne, who recently moved from Southern California to Taos, offers a more stripped-down, Southwestern-flavored sound that fits the album’s deeply personal nature. Songs like “Wasted Time” and “Living Small” urge listeners to let go of emotional baggage, while tracks like “Learn to Love” offer pathways to healing through vulnerability. Another standout moment is the joyous closing anthem, “Come Join the Dance,” an invitation to embrace connection in a moment of celebration after all the heavy lifting is through.
Ancient Door is a heartfelt and restorative experience that gently encourages the listener to forge a path forward to their best life, and Wayne sings with a rare amount of authenticity and empathy that makes it all sound within reach.
