Beat logo

OurR - 'can't' EP Review

A consummate follow-up to 2019's 'I' from the exciting trio OurR.

By Nathan SartainPublished 3 years ago 3 min read
Like
Image credit: Happy Robot Records

There's an appealing distinctness to OurR. For one, vocalist Hong Dahye has an unmistakable vocal style, one which captures attention instantly, and provides a gripping rawness which nestles in seamlessly amidst sonically rich soundscapes. But just as much so, there's an authenticity to the trio's music; an unshakable honesty which trades happy-go-lucky melodies for a blunt candour. It makes for compelling listening, and ensures that one can never accuse OurR of being anything other than wholly themselves.

can't, their latest EP, continues this venture into the thought-provoking, centring around expectations being "crushed by contradictions," in the words of vocalist Hong Dahye. It's a shortform release which allowed her to let her imagination "run free" and dig deeper into "ugly truths" which hid behind what she describes as fancy facades. Clocking in at just under half an hour, it's a methodically moving but endlessly fascinating release, and something which is bound to earmark OurR as ones to keep a keen eye out for as the year stretches on.

Proceedings begin with "Bird," an initially minimalistic track which strides along with repeating melodies and pensive vocals, before the latter disappear, replaced by layered, optimistic rhythm guitars and shuffling, rhythmic percussion. By the time Hong returns to the fray the entire song has been syringed with sanguinity as it soars towards a colourful climax. "Our hearts burned up with our youth // we'll follow and hold them tight," she sings as the cut fades back towards its initial composition. It's a journey of an opener, and an ambitious beginning to an EP which never loses its charm.

"Green" follows, with soothing riffs and reverberating melodies complementing the lyrics depicting a dream which is "shining like a black star.” Emphasised by a vivid chorus which brings out the best of Hong's raspy vocal delivery, there’s an almost comforting cadence to this effort. It leads nicely into "MUNG," the title-track which ups the ante with blisteringly animated synth-leads and a rippling, bass-filled undercurrent. Yet, despite the vivacity in the song's opening, there is a poignant reflectiveness heard towards the tail-end which swaps tempered jubilation for melancholy-tinged strife, and insecurity over whether dreams are meant to simply just fade away. It's affecting even amongst its spirited instrumentals, and something well worth revisiting time and time again.

Elsewhere, "Well" strips back the bells and whistles, supplementing Hong's vocals with an echoing guitar riff, fleeting percussion and a subtle zeal which surges towards a wiry, pseudo-triumphant apex. The softer, rather contemplative ending suggests a deliberately solemn finish, punctuating proceedings with a thought-provoking finesse.

Penultimate cut "Citronella" has a more peaceful tone, by and large gliding steadily through its runtime without much fanfare. Its chorus does have greater resonance though, with intensified vocals and pacier melodies providing the backbone for a sharp piece of sonic agitation. It works nicely, drawing out the wholehearted message of the track in a rich manner, and in turn delivering plenty of room to ponder.

Finally comes "20+4," an emotional closer which feels hollow as repeating, staccato riffs echo earnestly in the mix, accompanied by restrained drum patterns and a soothing, unguarded pensiveness in Hong's vocal performance. Despite a full-bodied climax the track never feels needlessly energised, which smartly leaves a hefty dose of poignance ruminating throughout the soundscape. A flawless finish, "20+4" may well be the highlight on an EP which packs plenty of them.

In conclusion, can't is an astute sonic evolution for OurR. The trio seem more comfortable in their style than ever before and, through blending genres like trip-hop, traditional indie and modern rock, have ultimately created something wholly captivating to listen to.

Album Rating - 9/10

album reviews
Like

About the Creator

Nathan Sartain

A lifelong music fan with diverse taste.

Email - [email protected]

Twitter - @nathan_sartain

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.