EP Review: JÁNA - 'Works'

It’s 2021 and JÁNA is giving the world the full Works.

Following from her previous EP Flowerworks, the Stockholm-based songwriter is back to give more of herself through her lo-fi melodies and soft-sung vocals. ‘Joyride’ is one of the first tracks of the EP and it’s a sweet, chilled out, soothing introduction to this new era; proving her voice is one that will send someone into a land of dreams and dream-dressed nightmares. The beats continue into ‘Outsider’, the first single to be released from the EP, with an extra kick (or tap) of percussion to pick up the pace. JÁNA’s voice is turned up, layered, and harmonised with itself throughout - and this track is possibly the one that highlights her vocal talent the most clearly and showcases her undeniable talent.

JÁNA has recognised how to adapt and use her voice with the tune, tone and tempo of her songs. As someone who is taking lo-fi sounds with R&B elements, the vocal adaptation can make or break the tracks. Works isn’t breaking anything, except hearts.

‘Both Sides’ is another track to showcase JÁNA vocally. Appearing later on in the track listing, it gives a balance of the artist’s singing and the instruments surrounding her. The strums of the guitar, the muted cymbal taps, it all comes together to create the imagery of warm nights under the stars with loved ones; or even a cosy night inside alone.

One of the most beautiful aspects of Works is how it manages to take the purest, most natural forms of emotion and feeling, and set them to summer-nights lo-fi vibes so it feels reassuring. It feels like belonging. It feels like home - and many people around the world will need that sensation.

JÁNA’s here to make every Outsider feel a little warmer inside.

Words by Jo Cosgrove

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