EP Review: Smoothboi Ezra - 'Stuck'
A sound collection, ‘Stuck’ reflects upon a collapsed relationship, offering a candid insight into the laudable poignancy of Ezra’s moving experience.
Smoothboi Ezra has dropped their second EP, ‘Stuck’. Known for their intimate brand of confessional pop the budding songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer, inspires a sentimental form of self-deprecation with this affectionate sophomore release.
Being an individual who is gender non-binary and on the autism spectrum, Smoothboi Ezra's offhand conversational yearnings present an endearing safe space for many people who are often underrepresented in today's media. There's a real sense of comfort bundled in the lull of Ezra's hushed vocal and nonchalant supporting arrangements - often feeling like a much needed warm hug.
With every musical conversation comes an overlooked sense of maturity. Opening with title track 'Stuck', Ezra explores the heartache of the unspoken and looming end of a romantic relationship. "'Stuck' is a song about being in a relationship with someone you care a lot about, but you know it's not going to work out. It's an unsaid mutual agreement that you can feel the relationship ending, but you're both waiting on the other person to end it." They explain.
On ‘Without Me’ Ezra admits to not wanting the other person to move on, expressing how the song reflects “trying to come to terms with not being that person’s number one anymore.” The stand out track is reminiscent of the likes of Soccer Mommy and Snail Mail, with its catchy riffs, characterful choruses and lucid expression. This one is guaranteed to get stuck in your head!
Track three, ‘You’, further describes Ezra’s experience with relationships and the emotional ties they experience alongside them. “My autism makes it hard for me to remember how I feel about people when they’re not right in front of me,” they explain. “I have very little emotional object permanence which makes it hard to feel loved by people but also makes it hard for me to let the people I love know and feel my love for them.” A haunting little number that blends perfectly into the unblemished purity of closing track, ‘Palm of Your Hand’.
Smoothboi Ezra's alluring brand of contemplation is one everyone can relate to in some capacity. A rising voice switching up the narrative on your typical love song.
Words by Jess Edwards