Sister Ray confronts self-discovery on sophomore album Believer
Sister Ray, the project of Toronto-based singer-songwriter Ella Coyes, returns with Believer, a bold and inward-looking sophomore effort out April 4 via Royal Mountain.
Produced by: Jon Nellen
Recorded in Brooklyn with producer Jon Nellen—best known for his work with Big Thief—Believer embraces raw, unfiltered songwriting. Drawing on the sounds of alternative folk and Americana, Coyes crafts a deeply personal record that explores self-reflection, emotional reckoning, and the weight of memory. The album’s patient guitar lines, steady percussion, and shimmering keys create a sonic landscape that amplifies Coyes’ singular voice, while collaborations with Marc Ribot (Tom Waits), Paul Spring (Fleet Foxes), and Isaiah Barr (David Byrne) add texture and depth.
From the celebratory self-love of ‘Magic’ to the golden-toned yearning of the title track, Believer navigates the complexities of personal growth. ‘Wings’ captures the push-and-pull between longing for freedom and staying grounded, while tracks like ‘Unfolding’ examines relationships and the ever-shifting nature of identity. The record builds on themes from Coyes’ acclaimed debut Communion, but with a newfound confidence in embracing discomfort and transformation.
With Believer, Sister Ray delivers an album that is both luminous and lived-in—an unflinching testament to the power of self-exploration. As Coyes continues to evolve, their music remains an honest and compelling force, inviting listeners to sit with life’s contradictions and find meaning in the spaces between.
Standout Songs: ‘Believer,’ ‘Animal Thing,’ and ‘Unfolding.’
Release Date: April 4
7.4
We’ve covered Sister Ray previously: ‘Magic, ‘Believer, and ‘Animal Thing.’
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