Lizzie & The Makers’ sophomore studio album, Dear Onda Wahl, embroiders their potent Southern-tinged rock with roots, soul, dream-pop, and ethereal elements to spawn something all their own. It’s one of those rare records that combines single-minded artistry with broad commercial appeal.

Created around the dusky yet soaring timbre of force-of-nature frontwoman Lizzie Edwards, Dear Onda Wahl was produced by Grammy winner Mario McNulty (David Bowie, Prince) and Cure guitarist Reeves Gabrels (Tin Machine, Bowie). Their influence ensures an intriguingly adventurous, hugely dynamic – and occasionally otherworldly – take on the traditional.

Defying her constant comparisons to Janis Joplin, the classically-trained Edwards, 5-time official showcasing artist at SXSW, former Pleasantville Music Festival MainStage performer, summons a heartfelt, nuanced mezzo-soprano shaped by Memphis soul legend Ann Peebles, Heart’s Wilson sisters, and jazz icon Billie Holiday. She’s assertive, yet vulnerable; defiant, yet proudly flawed.