The EP starts with the wonderful single Bells. It will no doubt grow out to be a fan favorite with Laura’s crystal clear vocals and folky, indie singing style she gives the song a very own character. The song has a nice melody that subtly but surely settles in your head and after only a couple of listens you’ll start interacting with this song one way or another. It’s not a typical single cause it doesn’t make use of the conventional catchiness that most pop songs do, but it’s more subtle, more hidden and that’s actually a very impressive piece of songwriting.
Soljah is a song that had to grow on me. Though I immediately saw the strength of the songwriting and the clever arrangement it took a while before I really got into the song. But the song is still growing on me as we speak and musically it’s a gem. We then reach the EP’s title track, which is another solid song. It’s a little ambitious but Laura Jansen is one of the few singers to pull it off. There’s a little 60s soul in it even and this song proves how strong her vocals actually are. Damn that girl can sing.
She follows it up with the soulful and spiritual Elijah which is a song with a great build up. And to me, it’s probably the EP’s catchiest song. I keep swaying my head back and forth on the rhythm of the song. Cool song.
The last song on the EP, Signal is definitely my favorite. It speaks to me. The beautiful piano arrangement and Laura’s comforting vocals give you the impression she’s singing it directly to you. And you feel like there’s a mutual understanding. It’s very impressive for any musician to get such a personal connection with your listeners and Laura Jansen is one of those few who can do that.
“Trauma” is a very impressive debut EP and please let there be a chance for her to reach an audience because this is a talent that just cannot be wasted.
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