Nostalgic with a swing of contemporary, Eva Lazarus’ sophomore album ‘Brandy Kisses’ is a project that pushes boundaries. Ignited with a fiery punch, a daring prowess, and an unapologetic stance, the Bristol artist has curated a body of work that not only is a true reflection of herself but of a modern-day woman too. Exploring the ups and downs of a relationship to believing in your beauty both inside and out, Lazarus’s spontaneity, fearlessness, and drive builds to form a beautiful chaos both lyrically and sonically. Never been one to conform to genre boxes, Eva’s experimentation allows a fusion of various sounds to unite and form a silhouette of colour, leaving no page unturned.
Opening the album with ‘Define Me By My Love’ we lightly step around the harmonising vocals and piano keys that pave a way for what’s yet to arrive, “Let me show you with my love who I am / Define me by my love” Eva sings. It’s moments like ‘Mixed Messages’ that reign in her vocal ability against a backdrop that doesn’t take away from her rich tone. Accented with elements of jazz, this track almost feels as though you’re in the room with her. Paired with Eva’s reputable punching flare, ‘Mixed Messages’ is a direct earful to her fellow love interest telling them to not waste her time. Jumping into ‘How Am I Looking’, we are quick to dismiss the dating mishaps for a more positive and feel-good moment.
Journeying into two stand out listens, both ‘No Limits’ and ‘I Prayed For You’, couple the old school elements in with the roller coaster of emotions that come with being a new mother. Capturing the raw moments in the self-produced ‘I Prayed for You’ we are welcomed with an intimate voice memo that unravels a heart-felt lullaby to her son. Swiftly followed through with the title track ‘Brandy Kisses’ this seductive yet up-beat song delves into a strong infatuation, “Breathing in the vapours of this love and I don’t want to come down” Eva sings. Continuing to explore her sexuality in ‘If You Ever Leave Your Girl’, the percussive production and husky vocals create an irresistible listen that is bound to make you hit that replay button.
As we begin to close out the album with the hip-hop influenced ‘Secrets’, self-confident ‘Royalty’ and sassy ‘Flashing Lights’, Eva Lazarus calls on Birmingham’s rapper Kofi Stone for ‘Lessons’. Complimenting each other’s styles with ease, Eva glosses the nostalgic beat with slick bars and an infectious hook; weaving in and out of both her piercing vocals and sharp rap. Ending on an orchestral note in ‘The Party Is Over’ the cinematic closing is the bow on top of what’s been an adventurous body of work. Walking us through a multitude of different messages, ‘Brandy Kisses’ overall is a quality project that continues to reinforce Eva Lazarus’s position as a trialblazer in music.
7/10
Words: Elle Evans
