Label: AMF Records
Released: 4th December 2020
Gen-Z’s hopeless romantic Olivia Dean explores the multifaceted emotions experienced through a relationship, and more specifically in its downfall and eventual break-up, on this soulful 4-track EP, following a successful year of releases for the rising London-based star. Her personality shines through smart lyricism and soulful vocals that are balanced perfectly by producer Felix Joseph (Jorja Smith, AJ Tracey, Mahalia).
The opener and title-track gives a disappointed insight into an effectively resigned relationship, stating “I thought you’d fight a little harder for me”. These words are backed by distorted keys and synths which evolve into a string backed chorus with subdued lead vocals that allow the harmonies to flex in the background. This mixture of sound is hard to define, as it lies somewhere between jazz, R&B and soul – this sets the tone for the whole EP, both sonically and thematically.
This EP is extremely coherent and consistent, displaying effortless vocals and production that brings the emotion of Dean’s experiences to the forefront of the gorgeous soundscape. Rounding off an unexpected but undeniably triumphant year for Olivia Dean, this release sets a very high standard for herself and anyone in the same space, inspiring high hopes for her future career.
