The Tuscaloosa based rock artist, Scott Ivey, released his new EP, Fair-Weather Friend, in January of 2025. The EP is packed tight with six no-skip songs, all passionate and striking in their own rights. The first song on Fair-Weather Friend is “She’s Lying,” which begins with a deceptively smooth and quiet intro consisting of only Ivey’s vocals and guitar. Listeners will soon realize the energetic reality of “She’s Lying” when the intense and grooving electric guitar and drums comes in hot at around 30 seconds into the track. This is a great introduction to the EP as it encompasses the lively rock feeling that much of the rest of the songs also emulate.
“Grow” is the second track on Fair-Weather Friend and it follows the thrumming energy of “She’s Lying” perfectly. Listeners are led into the song with ecstatic drums and guitar, unrelentless in their sharp and up-tempo qualities. “Grow” is a bit more relaxed than its predecessor once the vocals come in, allowing for an easy listening experience. That is not to say that this song is slow in any means, there is an emotional quality that comes through the raw vocals that sanctions a softer side of rock to emerge. The emotionality of “Grow” is harnessed through expansive guitar solos and Ivey’s moving vocals.
Marking the halfway point of the EP is “Miracle,” another emotionally evocative track that utilizes charming lyrics and a catchy melody to portray Ivey’s breadth of talent. The repetitive line of “you’re a miracle” makes this song easy to get stuck in your head and will no doubt have any enjoyer singing along in no time. “Miracle” evokes more of a classic rock sound with the melodic guitar lines and texturally dynamic drums. The harmonious vocals end the song in a delightful manner, transitioning smoothly into the next track.
“Fair-Weather Friend” is the fourth and titular track on the EP. It lives up to being the project’s namesake as it starts off strong with banging drums, bold vocals, and a tight guitar line. After the first verse there is a short instrumental break with a strong guitar solo. This song is dynamic, with moments of intense focus on vocals where it feels like Ivey is singing right at you, and then listeners are brought back to the moment with expansive instrumentals that may remind one of the sounds of metal rock.
The fifth and penultimate track of Fair-Weather Friend is “Feels Like,” a return to the more emotional and relaxed energy found in “Grow.” The chorus of this track is catchy and smooth, indulging in a more pop rock quality than the other songs. The vocals are clear and pronounced, inviting listeners to pay close attention to the pensive lyrics. “Feels Like” can be considered the most temperate on the EP, a great track to balance the invigorating energy of the other songs. It transitions well into the final track on the EP, “Reaching.”
As the finale for Fair-Weather Friend, “Reaching” holds nothing back. Listeners are introduced to a captivating electric guitar moment that leads into a tight drum rhythm. The vocals are electric and catchy, injecting an exhilarating passion into the track. Ivey is joined in by female vocalists for a well-rounded and full harmonic experience. The intoxicating background vocals add a new layer of satisfying sound that makes “Reaching” a perfect end for Fair-Weather Friend. Conclusively, this EP is a fun and exciting listen. Rock fans should be looking out for Scott Ivey and his thrilling music endeavors.
Written by Gracey Downer
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