Emily West
Symphonies
Reviewed by: Lauren Rosier
Singer/songwriter Emily West delivers a cinematic performance on her new EP, Symphonies, a departure from her previous work.
Symphonies is an exciting adventure from start to finish. With the opening track, “Don’t Ever Go To Paris When You’re Lonely” she effortlessly displays how she can change her vocal abilities to fit the mood of the song. With the James Bond inspired track, “Heaven And Back”, the orchestra opens with some ominous notes, and then West breaks into soaring, sultry vocals.
The 6-song EP takes the listener on a journey to various places and incorporates old-style pop songs into a modern sound resulting in a perfect mashup of old vs. new. “Pirate Ships” is, perhaps, the most radio-friendly song on the record. A piano-based track, “Pirate Ships”, opens with piano and infectious guitars before West begins singing to a potential significant other “I’m going to take you/I’m going to capture/your love/your love/and I’m going to set you free/all of your emotional battle scars/drowning to the sea.”
On “Stop Messing With My Heart”, West delivers a psychedelic-inspired song about unrequited love as she sings “Go back to all the lines/you were rehearsing/the very first thing/you told me in the dark/you said in love/we’re all actors playing a part.”
The title track is a soaring, powerful song about the various sides to West’s life: from normal, everyday events like going grocery shopping to getting glammed up for a huge performance. “Symphonies” has a hugeness to it that speaks volumes of West’s talent. It opens elegantly with her passionate vocals taking center stage.
Symphonies is a beautiful collection of songs that takes us West’s a little bit more. From soaring vocals to fresh arrangements, West delivers an undeniable, exciting extended play that takes advantage of her versatile, soaring vocals, and results in a unique musical experience.
Rating: Bad-Ass
