Berlin’s multi-instrumentalist, producer, and singer-songwriter Eva Nolia Vae’s debut EP, Empty Hands, offers a strikingly honest and multifaceted exploration of her own self. Produced alongside Sam Hatchwell and recorded within a mere week, the five-track EP feels refreshingly raw yet polished.
The title track, “Empty Hands,” sets the tone with its haunting introspection. Eva’s ghostly mezzo-soprano voice echoes through an expansive soundscape. It evokes a vintage hotel room vibe. The piano gently enters carefully traversing. The strings enter and swell with slow and soft rises, bringing levels of that vintage grandeur into the music. The rhythm section subtly builds, creating an emotional crescendo that mirrors the weight of the lyrics: “What if it’s the cracks that make me whole?”
The focus single, “Days for the Making,” shifts into a groove infused with mechanical beats and R&B-inspired warmth. Eva’s voice is animated, navigating the rich emotional terrain of perseverance and self-reflection. The ticking rhythm pulses beneath poetic lyrics like, “Patience laughs at me, daring me to quit silently,” as the track builds into an empowering anthem of resilience.
In “Malfunction of the Will,” Eva’s dynamic range shines through. Airy brass flourishes and edgy drum rolls give the track a lively, uplifting atmosphere, complementing lyrics that question societal expectations and the futility of chasing unattainable ideals. With lines like, “Engineer a vision in idealism, slowly forging your own personal prison,” Eva delivers a critique wrapped in infectious melody and soaring vocals.
Empty Hands is an exceptional debut that invites listeners to reflect on their own journeys. Listen to Eva Nolia Vae on Spotify for more such poignant music.
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Review by: Naomi Joan