EP Review: Legacy

Legacy is the latest in an impressive list of releases from Otautahi-based CAITLIN, an EP comprised of her last three singles and one previously unreleased track, Attention. The four songs presented here amply demonstrate her growth and maturing as an artist and songwriter, as she examines the emotions involved in some deeply personal experiences, at times laying herself bare with rawness and honesty.

This EP has been a joy to listen to, a press release describes her as having a “signature” blend of indie-folk and alt-pop, and I reckon that’s perfectly accurate. There is a healthy portion of uniqueness to her overall sound, which sets her apart from many of her peers.

The first track is the title track, lyrically addressing an uncertainty of leaving a mark on the musical landscape that will be remembered. Softly muted percussion, gently strummed acoustic guitar, and haunting background notes like droplets in a subterranean cavern set the scene for the beautiful vocal melody. Around two thirds of the way in, the energy picks up, and some luscious layers of sound settle gently over the foundation, the superb production achieved alongside Emily C. Browning.

Light Leak has a lovely indie-folk feel, in all the best possible ways. This one gets its fantastic production courtesy of the multi-talented Will McGillivray (Nomad, Goodwill). The music is light and airy, with just the right touch of melancholy to reflect the lyrics talking of needing to let go of a beloved situation, and accepting a new, unplanned-for future. A very vulnerable song, one hopes it’s also been cathartic. A superbly written song, contributing more than enough to the Legacy.

There’s a delicious finger-picked guitar intro to What You Love, with the other backing and vocals slowly blossoming in. CAITLIN’s music has genuine emotion and warmth, gentle and light in overall delivery, but with underlying currents that pluck deftly at the heartstrings. Almost ethereal vocal harmonies and interplay enhance the beauty of this song. A brief shuffle of drums brings the song to a peak, before easing back into  the finger-picked guitar for an outro.

Attention starts with a wave of reverbed vocals, which gives way to guitar, before the melody begins. Her skill as a songwriter shines through yet again, such nicely simple chord progressions, with melodies artfully and tastefully applied, just so good. This is my favourite track of the EP, a stunning little piece of art. Exquisite.

I don’t think CAITLIN has too much to be concerned about, with regards to leaving a musical legacy. This EP is excellent itself, but also hints at even greater things to come.