Delicate indie pop, rising from acoustic guitar and piano arrangements, through extensive lyrical musings and reflections on life and love. Vivi Ash gifts smooth vocals and fearlessly honest lyrics to a timeless format, with the five original songs of the Don’t Cry EP.
Beginning with Don’t Cry (I’m Not Your Curse), there’s an immediate appeal in the breathy to soulful vocals, in the rising energy and subtle scorn. The song feels like a hopeful ode to love and connection, but soon reveals itself to be much more self-empowering and confronting, and that quality helps build further on the unique Vivi Ash style.
As we move into Tangled Hearts, the vintage-to-modern recording style maintains this kind of old school vinyl crackle, and this too reinforces the intimacy and raw honesty of the writing and vocals. The energy lifts here, more long-form verses setting a detailed scene and story, with an underlying groove that’s more dreamy and faster-paced.
The lyrics turn towards something a little more programmed here, modern AI meeting nostalgic folk inspiration for something that feels a little less personal and more vague.
After this, Heart in Pieces is an outright highlight, a striking production with a strong riff and a deeply consuming electronic aura. The melody is catchy, dark and enchanting, and the project undoubtedly peaks at this midsection moment.
Download or stream Don’t Cry. Find Vivi Ash on Instagram & Facebook.
