Across the EP's four tracks, a mercurial mood takes hold which could just as easily welcome the daybreak as bring in the clouds.
Photo: Lara Laeverenz | Words: Otis Hayes
Sincere from start to finish, Rosie Alena's sophomore EP 'Everyman' is a heartfelt letter detatailing the strange array of emotions which oftentimes can overwhelm a person when experiencing the loss of a close relationship. Whether it is the positive feelings that come from a break-up and that chance to reset with a new-found independence, or the negativity and confusion which can arise from the sudden loss of a partner, with 'Everyman', Alena explores it all.
Beginning with 'Billboards', the EP is ushered in in a calm and subdued manner, Alena's voice gentle and soothing as it floats with the weight of a feather like a soft mist across that opening track. Alena says of the song, "Although 'Billboards' is the opening track of the EP, it is the last of the four songs I wrote and represents the finality of a relationship. It is about hearing rumours at parties about the man I used to be with and quite literally seeing his work plastered onto billboards. I no longer knew the ins and outs of his life but I was repeatedly bombarded by his name and presence. I felt deeply rejected and powerless in a situation I thought I had complete control over."
Following on from 'Billboards', title track 'Everyman' introduces itself with a range of percussion instruments being shaked, scraped and beaten, producing an alluring rhythm which is then joined by a minimalistic bass guitar riff and Alena's vocals. Then comes the guitar in dragged-out strums and at this point the song really finds its feet, standing tall and directing a brave face to the sentiments it explores. Closing with 'Babies', strings sway us back and forth over fingerpicked guitar and Alena's voice elegantly dances barefoot through it all, as on a starry night sky as she twists and turns amongst the chilled wind of a lonely evening, her heart on her sleeve.
Released via South London label Plum Cuts, 'Everyman' is an uncompromising collection of songs, guiding the listener through an assortment of mercurial feelings that can just as easily welcome the morning sun as they can shroud the early hours of a sleepless night with a layer of cloudy darkness.
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