EP Review: Eden Rain – ‘But I’m Alright Now’
Eden Rain finds self-acceptance in her sophomore EP ‘But I’m Alright Now’, an emotionally literate body of work anchored by stylistic production.
Infused with unbridled creativity and eclectic songcraft, the glistening world of Eden Rain was first introduced to us in early 2021. The multi-hyphenate’s signature pairing of enchanting soundscapes and imaginative hand-drawn visuals has already cemented her as an innovative newcomer. In May of this year, Eden unveiled her debut EP ‘GUTTER VISION’, a dazzling body of work spotlighting the indie artist’s rule-bending approach.
Now, on the heels of her recent London and Leeds headline shows, Eden is back with her second EP titled ‘But I’m Alright Now’. Despite arriving just six months after her first project, the 6-track release exudes growth and newfound confidence.
The introspective record takes the listener on a journey through the intricate workings of Eden’s mind, starting with Waterloo Sunset-inspired ‘Terry and Julie’. An unconventional – yet very British - love story, it details the rekindled romance between childhood lovers after living separate adult lives. Led by Eden’s mesmerising vocals and a retro bassline, the record would be the perfect soundtrack for a heartwarming (and slightly cringe-worthy) rom-com scene. Complete with an earworm chorus, it’s a blissful 3-minute escape guaranteed to hook the listener from the very beginning.
Whether she’s delving into a self-created fantasy or grappling with stark realities, Eden threads together expansive subject matter through her overtly personal writing style. Amidst a backdrop of atmospheric production, ‘I Found My Brain’ tackles the crippling experience of an identity crisis. A climactic bridge describes the impossibility of meeting others’ expectations for who you should be, while jangly guitars and steady drumbeats culminate. “I’m so desperately begging you set me free, I’m meant to be more than anything and never enough” she gut-wrenchingly sings.
Produced and co-written by Eden’s long-time collaborator Josef Page, ‘Pet Names’ makes for a touching listen. Driven by swaying beats and honeyed vocals, it’s a wholesome reminder of how others see value in you, even when you feel unworthy. A dreamy, honeymoon stage cut providing a dose of warmth and comfort for the colder months.
Stunning ballad ‘All Things Change’ is the most stripped back offering, both musically and lyrically. Born out of the bleakness of the pandemic, it sees Eden navigate the turbulence of life – longing for certain things to pass, while wanting to keep others frozen in time. Evocative and resonant, gospel-infused harmonies combine to create a twinkling sonic landscape. Finding glimmers of hope in sombre moments, it’s a heartfelt reminder that hard times don’t last forever.
The body of work concludes with the only previously unreleased offering, ‘Ghost Girl’. Continuing to unravel Eden’s buried insecurities, it explores the lingering feeling of being forgotten by those you care about most. Melancholic verses spotlight Eden’s candidly honest storytelling, while intricately layered – and subtly distorted – vocals shine through in the striking chorus. Blending poetical lyricism with somewhat eerie production, it’s a breathtaking piece that leaves you in awe of Eden’s artistry.
A kaleidoscopic look at her most intimate thoughts, ‘But I’m Alright Now’ solidifies Eden’s musical trajectory as a burgeoning future star.
Words by Emily Savage
