A Los Angeles transplant who grew up on an Alpaca farm on the coast of Oregon, Emilee Emiko’s debut EP is a culmination of deep self-reflection and years spent in endless artistic pursuit. Consisting of four quaint, skillfully-arranged tracks, the songs on Emilee Emiko craft a serene and bubbly folk-pop sound somewhere between a more rustic Mazzy Star and Jenny O.’s sensual indie-rock. Supported by an all-star cast of L.A. musicians that includes Graeme Gibson, Ron Lewis, Lauren Jacobson, and Michael Nau, the enveloping instrumentation melded with Emiko’s delicate voice creates a calming effect, a sonic quality that speaks to the themes of healing and self-love running throughout each song. The weeping string arrangements on “Looking” help punctuate a sense of emotional longing, while the atmospheric mix of synth and percussion on “Duet,” a song reminiscent of pre-Teen Dream era Beach House, distills feelings of anxiety and inner turmoil through a soft celebratory groove. Similarly, the dreamy guitar ballad “Wishing Away” offers a gentle nudge of encouragement, suggesting there is light in even our most recurring worries. The most upbeat number, “Quiet,” takes the notion a step further, dancing off any and all existential preoccupations with an irresistibly vibrant melody and hook that make for instant ear candy.
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