Singer-songwriter Scott Ivey describes his own music as a “homegrown blend of rock, country, and blue-eyed soul, infused with a touch of 90s nostalgia.” This is a fitting description of his 2025 EP Fair-Weather Friend, his first release after joining Spectra Music Group. Ivey has been writing and performing music since his teens, in both band and solo settings, and Fair-Weather Friend marks not just a fresh start with Spectra, but also a refining of the many country and rock influences he has collected over the years.
The album kicks off with “She’s Lying,” which begins with an acoustic, light and airy texture, which quickly gives way to a more forceful rock sound with the entrance of the electric guitars and powerful drums. The song is reminiscent of classic rock revival bands like Dirty Honey, with a pushy sense of forward momentum, while also being a bit playful. The inclusion of lively guitar solos in this song and most others across the record is also a welcome inclusion, as they are statistically on the decline in mainstream country and rock music. Ivey’s backing band, The Filthy Frets, absolutely kills it here and on basically every other song on Fair-Weather Friend; they play as a tight, sophisticated unit, but with plenty of raw vivacity.
“Grow” takes the tempo back a few clicks, but it still provides some solid rock riffs and spirited drum fills. Although Ivey claims to possess a “touch of 90s nostalgia,” this track boasts more of a 70s sound. “Miracle” dips further into Ivey’s country influences. It is the specific flavor of country that provides the perfect soundtrack to a leisurely drive on a warm summer day. “Fair-Weather Friend” returns to the rock sound with more obtrusive guitar riffage and the same pushy attitude that oozed from “She’s Lying.” It is probably Ivey’s second strongest vocal performance on the record (the best is yet to come); he devotes himself whole-heartedly to the performance, particularly during the second verse and the bridge. Naming the EP after this specific song was a solid choice, as it best encapsulates the homegrown rock, country, and nostalgic 90s charm he aims to fuse to form his sound. “Feels Like” doubles down on the 90s feel, especially in the first 30 seconds or so. The Filthy Frets kill it per usual, providing a robust foundation for Ivey’s vocals.
The EP ends on a strong note with “Reaching,” which sounds as if it could be the end credit song of some 1995 cult classic movie (I say this as an expression of endearment). It is Ivey’s best vocal performance on the record, and he only gets better and more lively as the track goes on. The female backup singers who join him during the choruses are also a wonderful edition, and compliment Ivey and The Filthy Frets’ sound nicely.
Fair-Weather Friend succeeds as both a country rock album and as a fulfilment of Ivey’s mission to marry rock, country, soul, and nostalgia. Listening to this record and its representation of Ivey as a songwriter and performer, it is evident why he won the Belk Southern Musician Showcase, the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, and multiple songwriting honors from the International Singer-Songwriters Association. His talent is matched and well-supported by The Filthy Frets, who are obviously capable musicians who know when to perform with bravado versus restraint. The tracks fit well together, and sound as if they are bathed in summer sunlight. If you are seeking a solid, good-natured country rock album, this EP is a splendid choice.
Written by Mackenzie Darnielle
