The Oswegonian

The Independent Student Newspaper of Oswego State

DATE

Dec. 24, 2024

Archives Laker Review Reviews

Weekly EP: Fleurie shoots straight on second album

While no longer music-based, MTV still offers new artists avenues to be heard. For Fleurie, a Nashville-based artist emerging onto the music scene, this sentiment could not be more true. Repeatedly featured on MTV’s “Scream” series, Fleurie has gained her fair share of recognition. Now in 2015, Fleurie hopes to use this momentum to push her sophomore EP, “Arrow.”

As a whole, “Arrow” is an expressive and glimmering EP. From its perfect culmination of slow, steady ballads to its more upbeat and pop-driven tracks, “Arrow” allows Fleurie a chance to showcase her style. Allowing herself to be different enough from other artists breaking into the genre, Fleurie’s EP is a respectable endeavor.

Like a dreamy haze, Fleurie’s “Wildwood” gleams as electronic instrumentals mix in with airy vocals. “Wildwood” is an easy favorite of longing heartache; its deceptively lighthearted arrangement covering wisps of sadness.

With “Sparks,” Fleurie ignites her EP in a blazing culmination of genres. With moments of R&B as well as electronic and dance music, the track rests in the same veins of artists like CHRVCHES. With vibes reminiscent of the ‘80s and Fleurie’s hollow voice providing something both graceful and enjoyable, “Sparks” is a glittery star.

On “Still Your Girl,” Fleurie provides listeners with one of her most outstanding tracks. Stylistically, “Still Your Girl” evokes a certain sense of eclecticism as Celtic echoes bounce on fiery pop synths. With a scale back of production, “Still Your Girl” could easily be mistaken as a piece on a fantasy film’s soundtrack. Luckily though, this completely danceable track is one that could find Fleurie as a viral hit.

“Hope Where Have You Gone?” provides the perfect end to a pleasingly above average EP. Like Imogen Heap’s more electronically-based, simplistic performances, “Hope Where Have You Gone?” is a welcome scale back to Fleurie’s more heavily produced record. Its soft and pleasantly neutral atmosphere allows Fleurie to unveil the possibilities and potential for her future.

Like her previous music, “Arrow” plays into many of the interesting beats and experimentalism that she is now accustomed to. For Fleurie, finding a space in the alternative-pop music scene should not be difficult, especially when you consider a backing from a large cable television network. Like many new artists, there is always room for growth. For now though, “Arrow” is a step in the right direction.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5