Album Review: "I Didn't Stand A Chance" by Kendall Elise
If you're into folk music that feels like a warm hug on a cold day, Kendall Elise's I Didn't Stand A Chance might just be your next favorite thing. Released back in 2017 under Creeping Ivy Records (props to NZ for birthing such talent), this album is one of those gems that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. It’s raw, heartfelt, and full of storytelling vibes that stick with ya long after the last note fades.
First off, let’s talk about the tracks. There are some real standout moments here, but two songs really grabbed me by the feels—Heart Full of Dirt and Wade in the Water.
Heart Full of Dirt hits different right from the start. The acoustic guitar lays down this gentle groove, and Kendall’s voice? Man, it’s got this earthy, lived-in quality that makes you feel like she’s sitting right there across from you, spilling her soul over a cuppa tea. Lyrically, it digs deep into themes of regret and redemption without being all preachy about it. You know how sometimes a song just gets you? That’s what this one does. Plus, bonus points for the bassline by Tony Daunt—it’s subtle, but it adds this whole other layer of depth that keeps pulling you back in.
Then there’s Wade in the Water. This track has this hypnotic vibe going on, almost like it’s daring you to close your eyes and drift away. The organ work by Kendall herself gives it this haunting edge, while Chris Kemp’s drumming keeps everything grounded. But honestly, it’s the lyrics that stay with me—they’re poetic yet relatable, talking about struggles and finding strength where you least expect it. Every time I hear it, I picture someone standing at the edge of a river, torn between staying stuck or taking the leap. Feels kinda personal, even though I’ve never been in that exact spot myself.
What’s wild is how much heart Kendall pours into every aspect of this project. Not only did she write all the songs, but she also played multiple instruments, co-produced, and even handled percussion duties. Like… can we take a moment to appreciate how hardworking this woman is? And shoutout to Kate Wark for the artwork too—it perfectly matches the moody, introspective tone of the music.
One thing that surprised me was how organic everything sounds. In an age where so many albums feel overly polished, I Didn’t Stand A Chance lets its imperfections shine through. Scott Seabright’s engineering deserves a nod here—he clearly understood the vibe Kendall was going for and didn’t try to mess with it too much. Same goes for Chris From Kog’s mastering; it enhances the natural warmth of the recordings without drowning them in effects.
So yeah, if you’re looking for something authentic, give this album a spin. It’s not gonna blow your socks off with flashy production tricks or chart-topping hits, but that’s kinda the point. It’s quiet, thoughtful, and unapologetically human.
Oh, and here’s a random thought to leave you with: listening to this album feels kinda like finding an old journal in your attic. At first glance, it seems ordinary, but once you dive in, you realize it holds secrets and stories that make you see the world—and maybe yourself—a little differently. Weird analogy, I know, but hey, isn’t that what good music’s supposed to do?
