EP Review: Mahalia - 'Isolation Tapes'
Leicester’s Mahalia is a brilliant soul-pop artist and her latest three-track EP ‘Isolation Tapes’ follows her recent debut album ‘Love and Compromise’.
The impressive EP features three new tracks. With ‘BRB’ her sound is mellow and mournful. She sings honestly about being upset and lonely. It’s the perfect song for a rainy day. Mahalia’s lyrics are honest and thought-provoking and her honeyed vocals sound amazing. ‘Plastic Plants’ is about love in real life being very different to what is depicted in Hollywood (“I tried to love like in the movies/But all I got was plastic plants”). It’s an upbeat number whereas ‘Too Nice’ is also upbeat. It’s a confident, flirtatious number- modern R’n’B at its best (“I know you want me so just be honest, boy”). Mahalia’s ‘Isolation Tapes’ are a much-needed breath of fresh air in these times.
Commenting on the EP, Mahalia said “Since being at home, I’ve spent a lot of time writing new music and listening to old music.” Mahalia says. “I found songs that I’d forgotten about, listened to them and fell in love with them all over again. In these uncertain times, when we have so little control over what is going to happen next, I think we have to focus on what we can control. Music is where I feel that most. And I’m so proud to be putting this EP out!”
Words by Narzra Ahmed