EP Review: States

Here we have the debut EP from young Christchurch-based indie-pop musician Caitlin (Caitlin Bradley) who is currently studying at Ara Music Arts in the city. She took the songs to Ryan Chin (Fisherman), and together with Will McGillivray (Goodwill), Thomas Isbister, and Shaun Malloch they worked to capture her innocent vocals and songs in a manner which brings together lots of different styles. She says she has been heavily inspired by Julia Jacklin, Faye Webster, and Spacey Jane, yet she also brings in dream pop elements from the likes of Jazmine Mary while there are also hints of French For Rabbits and some folk. The result is five songs which are quite different yet linked, so while June has a more Latin feel, Let Me Down is more Flying Nun.

The arrangements are key as they contain plenty of space, so her vocals feel supported but never overwhelmed and it is a collection which is mature and seems far beyond her years until one realises both her parents are full-time musicians. She was recommended to Ryan as he is experienced in multiple genres and it is obvious that they are very much on the same wavelength as he has mixed and produced this with care, allowing Caitlin to always be the focus of attention but still allowing her vocals to contain innocence and naivety. The use of wavering and distorted guitar in the background of Kitchen is inspired, as while Caitlin is at her most delicate in the front (this song, out of all of them, is the one which can be imagined as just being vocals and acoustic guitar), there is a lot going on in the background which provides depth and breadth without ever changing the focus.

Somehow, they have managed to produce an EP which feels commercial and radio-friendly without compromising on the original ideals, and the result is something which listeners can enjoy the very first time of playing and yet get more from it as it is lived with.