UK songwriter and artist Bernice Walsh, known to Spotify and the scene as ERRIS, thrives with consistently impressive songwriting, across a growing repertoire of uplifting and emotionally-rooted folk-country songs.
The first original release of Erris’ to cross our path was the beautifully heartfelt and unexpectedly topical And The Angels Cry – a modest but increasingly impassioned arrangement and performance, with a timeless folk-country instrumental backdrop, helping elevate a superb hook.
It’s a fine introduction, laying down the foundations of an artist who can take a difficult or sad topic, and turn it into a memorable tune. Here we’re confronted with the modern-day implications of ghosting – something almost all of us are familiar with, in one way or another, and which is given a slick and stylish country instrumental, ocean of imagery, and beautifully memorable tune.
These same qualities of contrast and melodic wonder are found throughout Erris’ repertoire, not least of all with the 2023 single Standing By The Ocean – a clear highlight, a subtle earworm, and another celebratory chorus; softly blending melancholy and optimism with seamlessly artistic precision.
Elsewhere we get moments of more upbeat pop-country appeal with the likes of Broken Beyond Repair. As ever though, contrast is crucial, and the struggle implied by the title is explored, by an alternative love song unafraid to get vulnerable, whilst holding closely to its relatable poetic vagueness, to ultimately be made your own. This song features a spoken section, adding personality, and throughout all of these love songs and melodic poems, the Bernice Walsh or Erris voice becomes more recognisable; with lightly doubled vocals reinforcing each bigger moment of passion.
The song Loss is another confronting and vulnerable outpouring, an acoustic guitar guiding vocals that take on the concept of learning that a partner is moving on without you. Inspired by a Diary of a CEO interview, this song takes a unique story, and frames it in a fresh way, but still maintains the timeless embrace of the country-folk or folk-pop set-up. This is the essence of the Erris sound, stories that feel less common, even painful, explored in an accessible and comforting fashion.
Erris has seen considerable success with her original songs, with many appearing in top 100 UK charts. This success, and the strength and broad appeal of her music, is largely thanks to a childhood spent studying music, and years of singing in a choir and a band. Erris has also released a book of songs and poems, and is currently working on her album, with a seasonal single planned for December, entitled Merry Christmas to You Darling.
