Album Review: What Love Is

Wellington based singer-songwriter Seralynne has just released a sleek new nine-track album What Love Is. This is a surprisingly heartfelt and mature mix of haunting yet beautifully written pop ballads.

Once I got a handle on the direction that What Love Is was taking, I was rather impressed. I was expecting a light-hearted, fizzy pop album with an electronic vibe. What is delivered, however, is an emotional, sincere and sophisticated album.

Seralynne showcases her refined and intuitive style of writing on What Love Is, there is no hiding from the rawness and vulnerability of her lyrics. Themes of lost love, suicide and toxic realities create a powerful lyrical soundscape.

The first track on this album, Wild, is a nice introduction, you get a good feel of Seralynne’s sweet vocal style. Electronic synth features as a backdrop to euphonious tones.

Three standout tracks for me are the powerful This Time, the slow heart wrenching melodic song, Nobody Else which has a simple and elegant acoustic sound, and Fault Lines which is a captivating haunting track enhanced by mesmeric piano playing.

There is a vulnerability to her songs which is touching. Add in a polished pop sound, and this album has ended up being a full, luscious and well-rounded nine tracks of exceptional thought and sound.