Following the success of the young, London-based musician’s previous EP’s; The New Year in January 2013, Yellow Circles in December that year, and Black Mud released in late April this year, LAYLA has been keeping very busy in the studio – much to the delight of her fans. I had been anticipating the announcement of another EP and had high hopes for Weightless, which I certainly wasn’t left disappointed by.
Having been increasingly played on major BBC radio stations, featured on the Made in Chelsea soundtrack and in several other TV Drama Soundtracks, LAYLA’s been getting the right recognition and publicity for her creativity. Despite featuring only 4 tracks, there is a wealth of diversity between each of the songs on the extended play. LAYLA’s authentic vocals are hauntingly beautiful, and although the material on is kept rather simple, it is incredibly catchy and unique. Her style is somewhat along the lines of a combination of Sóley’s eerie minimalist sound and Daughter’s raw yet wholesome music with a little something extra added – a perfect buy for this time of year, and an ideal accompaniment to essay writing.
‘For You’ and ‘Fight the Fire’ are without a doubt the most beautiful and serene tracks on the EP, whereas ‘Weightless’ is a lot more buoyant. It reminded me a lot of Florence & The Machine’s material. Casseopia is somewhere in between; upbeat but still easy on the ear. I don’t think I can possibly name a personal favourite song, but ‘Weightless’ and ‘Fight the Fire’ are probably the two I’ve listened to the most since she released them on her SoundCloud. 17 minutes of bliss.
LAYLA is one of those undiscovered artist whose talents do not deserve to go amiss.
