EP REVIEW: Holly Blair - Then Comes The Lightning

The new EP from American alt pop songwriter Holly Blair draws you in with its silky finesse, often interlacing dreamy guitar lines with Holly’s soft vocal inflections. The opening track ‘Used to Dying’ optimises this entrancing, lucid feel.

‘Slow’ demonstrates a wonderful emotive control, switching from a moody electronic verse to a bright, expansive chorus, both equally as melodic. ‘baby girl, he’s so boring’ is a beautifully dreamy track that caresses your mind with soothing vocal lines and overlapping electronic textures that transport you into a floating soundscape.

The electro hum and slightly eery vocals of ‘Loud’ feel like a cross between Holly Humberstone and Billie Eilish, showcasing a slightly edgier, twisted side which then gives way to the trademark silky Folk-tinged pop sounds of Holly later in the song.

These four tracks highlight all aspects of Holly Blair’s talents, yet the best is left till last as ‘Line Again’ really captured our hearts. It is by far the most emotive song on the EP, intertwining jangly, bittersweet acoustics with a collection of cinematic sounds. The electric guitar that gently enters the fray adds a depth to the sound while the blissful blend of the lead and backing vocals is reminiscent of Lana Del Rey. A wonderful ender to the EP!