EP Review: The Guest House

Georgia Lines has been around the musical block for some time now, and she’s no stranger to making great music. My first encounter with her was when she created the glory that is her self-titled EP in 2020, covid times! She’s an artist that puts a lot…. but a lot… of effort into her music. She’s a queen of imagery, and setting a scene. There’s no such thing as a Georgia Lines EP if it’s not filled with art in some form. She’s got soul in abundance, ideas in numbers, and imagery made for theatres in my opinion. A real gem to New Zealand Music, and a pillar of hope for the future of music making.

Her newest EP The Guest House opens with Wonderful Life a track that immediately reveals its polished production and well-thought composition. With beautiful piano elements and layered drum arrangement, the song lifts off with soaring lyrics. Georgia Lines has always had a gift for evoking wonder and gratitude, and this track is no exception. It celebrates her recent time in California, with deep appreciation for life itself. Her voice unfolds gradually, building with a crisp, lively hum. Infused with pop grooves and optimism, the song encourages listeners to embrace the present, release the past, and soak in life’s simple beauties.

Julia is a standout track. It’s instantly catchy and driven by edgy little guitar riffs and a punchy beat. The lyrics are relatable, with a narrative around a girl who’s captured someone’s attention and stirred up storms of envy and intrigue. Julia slips into dreams and sparks wild thoughts, a playful yet gripping take on the anxiety of romantic rivalry.

Till The Music Stops is a slow burner that blossoms in its final moments. It’s a testament to the depth and power of Georgia’s soulful voice. Carrying the emotional weight of the song, she delivers a performance that’s magnetic and moving. The keys work well beneath her vocals, and the lyrics truly soar, effortlessly wrapping around the composition of the song and building to grand expansiveness about two thirds in. It’s tender, immersive, and easily resonant. 

Limoncello is a fun, slow-sipping track that produces vivid imagery of sugar, zest, and everything deliciously citrus. It blends the EP’s best elements into a breezy, gustatory experience. Honestly, it had me craving a bottle myself… the temptation was real! It’s interesting how such a well-made pop song can be about something so simple yet pleasantly joyful as a glass of liqueur.  

Guest House is my personal favourite and has been coined the EP’s pivotal track. Its music video is gorgeous… it’s delicate, well-crafted, and rich with thoughtful cinematography. The imagery evokes a simple life in the countryside: sipping tea, strumming guitar beneath a sunlit window, chopping wood, sharing meals, and watching the grass grow in the best way. It’s a restful track of introspection, a gentle invitation to slow down, daydream, and build a little house of dreams.