Album Review: Easy Life - 'Maybe In Another Life'
Maybe In Another Life is the woozy second album from the mellow five-piece Easy Life. Ever since the release of the hit single Pockets in 2017, the group have paved their way into being one of the most talked about break-through artists. Their cleverly constructed dizzy, yet surprisingly enlivening sound is unmistakably identifiable from the first few bars of any release from the band. Easy Life are a genre in their own entirety, a blessing for the ears of the youth. All previous releases are a distinct and fascinating fusion of the contemporary with elements of old-school hip-hop and jazz.
Their new album, compiled of 15 tracks, provides a blissful listening experience. When listening to the opening of the album, the listener is at the beginning of being transported on a journey. The continuity of the tracks feels almost as if you were to be drifting down a clear turquoise twisting river on an inflatable pink lilo with a drink in hand. Maybe In Another Life is the first track off the album. Despite only being 13 seconds long, it is fun glimpse into what to expect from the rest of the album. This drifts into Growing Pains, which is an easy bop, all inclusive of the ‘Easy Life’ iconic sound. The song is a catharsis for those struggling changing their direction in life or in their relationships, it provides an easy remedy for those facing these problems. The sanguine melody is a perfect backdrop to the lyrics, adding to the ‘take it as it comes’ vibe. The album is thus forth thrown into a much more animated direction with Basement, the third track. An energetic beat is paired with mellow vocals to provide a much more party-like energy.
Dear Miss Holloway is one of the songs off the album which has previously been released in order to gain attraction and the song has certainly served its purpose. With over 4.5 million streams on Spotify since its release and a feature from Kevin Abstract. Dear Miss Holloway synthesises both Murray’s and Kevin's vocals to create an addictive and almost hypnotic number. One feature of Easy Life’s music which bears a focus throughout almost all their releases is their ability to make an extremely captivating chorus without any over-complication musically. The band have the ability to compose and balance instruments and vocals beautifully so there is no one instrumental star of the show.
One of the songs off Maybe In Another Life seems to comply with a much more honest and raw agenda, this being Moral Support. Within this, Murray's vocals are simply accompanied by a sprinkling of instrumentation whilst his voice tells a story. This song is not quite so typical of the band and can be much more easily described as a ballad. The last song on the album titled Fortune Cookie has the effect of a warm hot chocolate on a cold day, it is comforting and warm.
Speaking on the album, few words come to mind other than genius.
Words by Sophie Bourgeois
