Lyves – Like Water EP

London-based artist Lyves has been releasing singles for the past two years, now finally releasing her debut “Like Water EP”. It’s a soulful R&B release with elements of electronic music appearing strategically throughout. The four-track EP capitalises on the success of her single “No Love”, bringing more of the same style to the table.

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The release opens with “Darkest Hour”, and is undisputedly some of Lyves’ (Francesca Bergami) best work so far. The music developed during a time of immense personal change for Ms. Bergami. It feels like an idea that was allowed to mature, mulled over and perfected, rather than feelings spewed about across a page. She retreated from her home of London to take refuge in a small Italian village, where she found the isolation and peace of mind to create a truly soulful musical experience.

Lyves debut “Like Water EP” is exploratory, and the risk pays off. She lets you into her world, and you come out better for it.

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The soundscape is exploratory, but the risk pays off. There’s some electric guitar infused into “No Love”, providing a solid baseline to follow. “Darkest Hour” sees Lyves combine classical piano components with a layer of synths, sounds that often work against each other when not expertly crafted. “Free” is the last track on the EP, and hasn’t been heard prior to this release. It’s definitely the most exploratory track of the freshman EP, and doesn’t pan out as nicely as the other three pieces. The beat is overly experimental and feels distracting, almost artificial. The boldness is appreciated, though – it’s nice to see an emerging artist willing to take some risks.

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The lyrics fit the soulful style of the tracks. In “No Love”, Francesca sings, “As we lay here lovers in arms, I can feel your fear, can this love be true”. She elects to discuss a side of love many don’t care to focus on: fear. It’s not an easy thing to admit to yourself, let alone to another person. Her captivating voice draws the listener in, capturing the listener in an emotional net. Even if it’s just for a few fleeting minutes, Lyves lets you into her world, and you come out better for it.

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It’s a release with emotion and soul. There are elements of electronica, synth pop, even hints of alt rock at times. Lyves has started off 2017 the right way, with a great EP we should all take some time to enjoy.

This EP was sent to us via HumanHuman where we randomly pick once a week an album or EP to review. Want to know more about how to submit music? Check our dedicated page!