EP Review: Balloons

South Island native Lainey is bursting into the music scene after her debut singles You Should Stay and Wanted To Tell You dropped. Taking inspiration from Billie Eilish, Elliot Smith and Dodie, Lainey’s music is sure to impact you. Her three-track EP Balloons is masterfully crafted and enchanting.

Balloons is interesting from the first beat. It begins with a shifting metre and swelling rhythm section. Moments later we’re in the middle of Lainey’s stream of consciousness, as her complex and characterful lyricism ties us in ribbons. The guitar appears to take some influence from Hispanic writing, allowing the piece to command movement from its listener. The overall groove of the piece is impressive and infectious. Lyrically, the collection of songs is delightful. I loved Lainey’s use of metaphor to describe the feeling of being used as a kite dragged through the sky. While the lyrics are clever, the delivery brings power to their meaning. There is a moment in Balloons where Lainey declares “I don’t. Like. Holding your hand.” The use of pauses makes the simple sentiment cut the listener down a peg. The end of the song echoes away like thoughts rattling in your brain.

Daisy begins with a scurrying guitar line, evoking the feeling of overthinking. Lainey asks this cutting question: Does it make you uncomfortable to feel less wonderful? The use of everyday language for effect is one of the things I found most striking about this collection of songs. Daisy quickly moves into an eerie chorus in a higher vocal register, and boasts the expert use of harmonies for atmospheric effect. I loved the use of space in this track as much as the busy rhythms. Where Balloons rattled moments before, Daisy swirls around in your head like a dream.

The Balloons EP concludes with the effortlessly cool Can’t Get Over Me. The track lowers the pace for less swirling thoughts, and a more focused and pensive moment. The decision to feature a rapped verse from Will McLean was bold, but executed well. I’ve always loved the combination of acoustic music and spoken word, and the payoff of the return to Lainey’s expertly written chorus worked well.

I was very impressed by this new artist’s debut EP, and I can’t wait to hear where she goes next with her music. She’s definitely found herself a new fan.