Essex based soul-pop artist ‘Nahli’ releases her debut EP, Therapy Side A. A record that unflinchingly explores the singers emotions of heartbreak, all of which happening whilst being accompanied by a groove-bound garage beat.

The EP starts as it means to go on with track, ‘Relapse’. The listener is almost instantly flooded with groove driven bass lines, which provides the track with a somewhat old-school hip-hop sound. The track also shines a light upon Nahli’s feelings of heartbreak and relationship frustration, foregrounding the EPs overall, somewhat aggressive motif. Following on is track, ‘Daddy Issues’ and as the title suggests it is not a track that holds back, this being demonstrated right away with the tracks quickened melody, all whilst still leaving the funk infused baselines. The inclusion of male vocals on the track serves to give the sound an edge and  diversity within the sound. However, the standout of the track, and indeed the whole EP, is Nahli’s flow and ability to blend with the groove, which serves to carry the records sound and project the singer’s aggression and frustration.

Track F.Y.M, an abbreviation of F**k You More, gives the EP a different edge. Rather than using the tried and tested bass groove, the track instead opts for a gentle guitar sound. However, it must be stated that although the track is melodically softer, the lyrical nature of the track packs as much of a punch as the rest of the EP. ‘Blake’ opens with an undoubtedly ominous base line. Losing the funk and jazz of previous tracks, the bass instead sets a darker mood for the track. A mood that rife within the tracks lyrical content. The themes of confrontation permeate the track, again in-keeping with the records overarching theme of heartbreak. Closing the EP is track, ‘Mamas Boy’, and it serves as perhaps the best example of Nahli’s unwavering lyrical approach offered on the EP. The track offers a sound more reminiscent of modern pop, contrasting with the groove based sounds clearly seen throughout the rest of the EP. However, it does offer the most explicit example of Nahli’s song-writing approach, with the chorus offering the refrain of, “Walking out of your life”. It is simple, direct and, most of all, effective.

Therapy Side A is an EP of unwavering clarity. The lyrics throughout the course of the EP as a whole are direct and give the listener a full view of the singers inner emotions, rather than simply a glimpse. The contrast of between this anger and the soulful vocals and groove bound melody work in a way that makes for a highly emotive listen.