EP Review: Cautious Clay - ‘Resonance EP’
Cautious Clay is a name you’ll most likely hear in the mainstream media very soon but delving into his ‘Resonance EP’ is something you should all be doing now. A multi-instrumentalist, producer and writer of his own work, Clay packs such a warmth in his voice, effortlessly moving from word to word pouring out his natural talent to not only make charming music, but to express truthful accounts of his experiences adapting to life in the music industry.
‘French Riviera’ has a soft momentum submerged by a rapturous beat, and an uplifting chorus that runs parallel to a beat with masterful depth, detailing his newfound fame and the ways in which he attempts to find his place in the industry, with lines like ‘I wanna be a cult classic, Black boys wrapped in plastic.’ As it reaches its final bars, the electric guitar solo unrestrainedly runs free and solidifies the skill Clay has as a songwriter. It’s a bombastic start to the EP that only gets better as it goes on. ‘Call Me’ is much smoother – much more delicate, experimenting with the jovial nature of song writing and bringing it to the EP. His lyrical profundity builds on the notions of awareness of his position as an artist. ‘Call me by name, Call me your saviour, Fell for the fame, It’s alright, it’s ok’ is prime example that plays upon this idea, showing his abilities as a lyricist old beyond his years.
Closing out the EP with ‘Smoke’ is a delightful culmination of his wisdom shown throughout, and another lesson when it comes to stay grounded with his newfound fame. ‘Growing is not a contest, But I’m loving all the attention’ is an honest reflection of what Cautious is revelling in as an artist, showcasing a cool melody wrapped around a memorable beat. I wouldn’t be surprised if the talents of Cautious Clay escalate over the coming months. He’s capable of writing complex lyrics that ooze a maturity and wise reflections on living with the pressures of fame and everything that comes with it. The music is catchy as well as being provoking, never shying away with the safety of limiting boundaries some artists can sometimes find safety in.
Words by Chris White