Jesusfreakhideout.com: Sophie Stiles, "Tell Me I'm Found" Review

JFH Indie Review

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Sophie Stiles
Tell Me I'm Found

Street Date: April 25, 2025
Style: Indie Pop / Folk / Alternative
Official Site: SophieStiles.bandcamp.com

It's been a few years since we've heard from Sophie Stiles. Chartreuse released in 2017 with Run Into the Light immediately following in 2018. The single "With My Own Eyes" dropped in 2019 and then... radio silence. However, that silence ended in April 2025. Stiles is back to releasing music with her newest venture, Tell Me I'm Found. The 7-track release borders on EP and album, but no matter how you classify it, her soulful brand of folk music is a welcomed return.

"At the foot of Your mountain I stand; wonder meets the sky. I'm filthy on holy ground. Jesus, can you pick me up? Tell me I'm found." These are the closing lyrics to the title track. These simple, yet powerful, lyrics encompass the theme of the album. It's truthful, it's worshipful, and it's earnest. The simple and short follow-up, "Finally I Can Feel," sells this point to an even greater extent. While the lyrics here are certainly a highlight, the music itself is also an excellent vehicle for the message. Not quite indie pop and not quite folk, the music walks a line between the two for a perfect marriage. Moreover, Sophie's lovely vocals tie those two aspects together nicely. Tell Me I'm Found falls somewhere in between the first two EPs sonically; it's the sweetest of sweet spots.

Tell Me I'm Found is a more stripped-down affair that hits all the right notes. After a 6-year break from releasing music (outside of a demo released to Bandcamp in 2022), Sophie Stiles' return is strong. There are some beautiful moments musically and lyrically throughout to grab your attention. I personally love the more playful sounding acoustic guitar found in "No Fear in Love," but there isn't a sour note to be found here. Sophie has continued to improve her craft during her time away. Run Into the Light was impressive, but Tell Me I'm Found finds Stiles on the next level. Those looking for an honest and worshipful album set to a more laid-back soundtrack should look no further. Sophie Stiles is serving up exactly what you've been looking for.

- Review date: 5/16/25, written by Michael Weaver of Jesusfreakhideout.com

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