Serena Isioma - The Leo Sun Sets [EP Review]
Hot on the heels of her hit song 'Sensitive', Serena Isioma's ever growing range expands further on second EP 'The Leo Sun Sets'. An electrifying mix of pop, soul and R&B, with elements of hip hop and rock thrown in as well… Pinning a genre on Isioma isn't easy.
Hailing from Chicago and citing influences as varied as 'Chief Keef' and emo band 'Pierce The Veil', Isioma's voice is capable of being both spiky and serene, and the seven tracks don't skimp on attitude or angst. She spends the EP dreaming of full freedom and independence (a theme that strikes particularly close to home at the moment), before finally resolving to live her best life at all costs.
The punky 'King' opens the album, with the urgent guitar matching the agitation of the lyrics, as Isioma bemoans becoming embroiled in friendships that do nothing to serve her. The top half of the EP follows suit with dark, brooding synths as she explores themes such as numbing anxiety and candid fears of her own toxicity.
Even when she takes a break to celebrate her sexuality on 'Blue Sky', glitchy distorted vocals provide a deliciously dark sound. Isioma delivers staccato, almost-rapped lyrics in full boss mode, as she revels in her desires and fantasies.
On 'Meadows In Japan' Isioma shows off her impeccable voice, serenely gliding through the initial verses before abruptly becoming colder and more detached. In a spoken word 'dumping over voicemail' her harmonised vocals are given a jagged edge as they drift on underneath... Isioma is capable of being sweet, but is never afraid to 'do her' as and when the mood strikes.
Not one to wallow in her feels for long, Isioma switches things up and fully embraces a hedonistic vibe for the last two tracks. On 'I Feel Fantastic' she gleefully implores the listener to "get out their feelings" on the soaring chorus, whilst album closer 'Stop Calling The Police On Me' continues this lust for life with a chilled R&B sound, perfect for a beckoning summer of freedom.
Overall 'The Leo Sun Sets' cements Isioma as a truly exciting new talent and one who, true to her rebellious spirit, continues to refuse to be put in a box.