Blurring the lines of indie folk and atmospheric pop, Marlene Oak showcases her raw storytelling and powerhouse vocals on her brand new EP, Big Time.
Hailing from a small island outside of Stockholm, the singer-songwriter was first discovered performing on the streets of the Swedish capital's Old Town in her younger years. At 19, her music was featured on the HBO series Supergirl with her first track, "How Long," co-written with Swedish artist Andres Mattsson, who also assisted on this latest release.
Big Time is honest and relatable, making it easy for listeners to follow along with Oak's storytelling. Coupled with her stunning vocal delivery, her songs harness a timeless essence and genuine quality, enhancing the EP's rawness, effectively displaying her emotional and empowering songwriting.
Opening with the title track, a gentle fingerpicking melody immediately creates an intimate and inviting tone. Oak's vocals are ethereal and airy, swelling with the lush strings that wrap listeners in emotion and warmth. There's a sense of earthiness with a punch of attitude that comes in strong right after the chorus, which lifts the energy immediately for the second half of the song. The message of "What are you waiting for?" weaves throughout the lyrics, which are rich and powerful, waiting for someone or something to show genuine love.
Her single "Red Clouds" follows, delighting with a soft piano ballad with clear, centered vocals that draw the listeners into the story. The transition into the stripped-back tune is seamless.
The third track, "Burning Flame," opens with soft, sustained strings laying down the heat that fuels the tune's fiery intensity. The layered vocals amplify the emotion, which is haunting yet cinematic. The lyrics are bold and full of conviction as she sings, "Can't you see what you're doing to me?" They capture the unraveling of someone being pushed to their breaking point.
The guitars ring delicate and crisp on her last song, "Until Morning Comes," showcasing her emotional lyrics and angelic vocals one last time. Driven by the equally vulnerable and strong melody, Oak's vocals tie the song together with rich resonance and a strong vibrato that lingers long after the final note.
With this latest EP, Marlene Oak takes us on a deeply honest and heartfelt journey into her world.
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