Sugar Shine by Emily McLoud: EP Review

by Damien Reid December 16, 2022

December 16, 2022

Sugar Shine by Emily McLoud: EP Review

The EP Sugar Shine by Emily McLoud, who resides in Austin, Texas, is a delightful indie and country EP that will undoubtedly put you in a good mood. There is a pleasant chill in the artist’s voice! This, paired with gentle acoustic melodies and the addition of a touch of mandolin to the lap steel guitar, creates a great atmosphere that is well worth experiencing.

The EP kicks off with the bouncy country song “So They Say,” great for a night out at the bar where you can clink your glasses and sing along with the lyrics. Continuing to “Sugar Shine” felt like the ideal slow-dancing number. The combination of Emily’s lyrical singing and the soft strum of the acoustic guitar was quite moving. The song “Ain’t as It Seems” is dripping with country melancholy. The sway, dramatic tension, and gloomy undertones are all greatly enhanced by the lap-steel guitar’s inclusion. This song’s transitions are great; they have a simple, almost pop-infused sequence, which I really appreciate. We need its soothing sound today more than ever.

“Disguise” is a vibrant tune with a captivating rhythm. The instrumentation is quite bluesy and contains fillers and a solo passage that creates an overall ethereal atmosphere. Minimal in nature, the guitar riffs blended flawlessly with the song’s appealing taste to make it more emotionally resonant. From the standpoint of the EP, it is strong and ideal for listening to when you’re feeling down and need a pick-me-up.