Album Review: Hazel English Asks “To Just Give In” And Shows She’s “Never Going Home”
Hazel English is releasing two shimmering EP’s on May 12: Just Give In and Never Going Home. I say shimmering because each song has a sparkle that shines through synths and chords that appear nightly in machination. It is as English chose to make these EP’s in the darkness of night, when we all know our anxieties flood into our minds to give us a goodnight kiss. It is strange to say that perhaps the most stressful thing we can try to do is rest, which is why Just Give In / Never Going Home are befitting titles for Hazel English’s sweet and vulnerable EP’s.
English’s voice is undeniably kind and haunting. In songs, “Other Lives”, “Love Is Dead”, “I’m Fine”, you would think she was lovely ghost singing from the veil that draws the life between life and the afterlife. She has a way of emoting her notes as she is echoing from her soul rather than singing from her vocal chords. It is that distant sound that makes the album enamoring, especially in tracks “More Like You” and “That Thing”. It gives the album a subtle melancholia, which is normal for indie-pop. While bubblegum pop aims for sweetness, indie-pop goes for bittersweetness. No amount of sugar can dissipate the slight twangs of sour that come through in tracks “Fix” and “Control”. Despite this mentioned melancholy, there is an up-tempo that courses the album through English’s guitar melodies. No matter what plea or perspective she makes through the EPs either on her desire for an actual relationship or to better the one she has, the guitar always shines with instrumental hope. In this balance, Just Give In / Never Going Home is easily relatable.
“Never Going Home”, “Birthday” , and “Other Lives” have a folksy blues vibe that currents listeners’ understanding of English’s longing. How we move in and out of our lives and through the lives of others does define our mentalities, and can build the sense of yearning that is inherent in English’s vocals and lyrics. When it comes to life and love, we can all feel like we have it, personally, the worst or hardest. Yet, that sentiment is only so because love, in essence, is hard. It is the greatest virtue because it is the most vulnerable one, and Hazel English shows that whether you are loving a dream, memory, or a man, you need strength to not crumble to the courage needed to open your heart. For More Information On Hazel English And To Buy Just Give In / Never Going Home On May 12 Click Here.
