Laura Jae returns following her impressive debut EP Silver Lined Hearts with a track that is both an endearing pop song and a real statement of intent. ‘Underwater’ is a track that follows on from many of the ideas from her debut EP, but also acts as an example of Jae’s growing musical maturity. She has managed to create a modern pop sound that infuses the sounds and atmosphere of her resident London along with a healthy dose of experimental flair. Currently, Jae is occupying the desirable junction between pop and experimental appeal. ‘Underwater’ is proof of her wide appeal; it is a subtle infusion of neo-soul and contemporary pop with a healthy electronic twist. In many ways her sound is reminiscent of FKA twigs or Nao, which isn’t bad company to keep. The organic electronic sound of ‘Underwater’, from the spacious synths to the infectious hook, is Jae’s greatest statement as an artist yet.
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The spacious synths of ‘Underwater’ allow Jae to illustrate the full range of her excellent vocals. The interesting use of percussion, too, introduces an experimental dimension to the track. The track, overall, feels very contemporary in this regard. She’s covered King Krule’s ‘Out Getting Ribs’ on her previous EP, so she’s an artist who has her finger on the pulse of contemporary culture; her cultural awareness is symptomatic of her modern sound, attitude and aesthetic.
The hook of the track, too, is expertly crafted. The hook appears simple, but the way Jae sings it is what makes it so infectious. Her vocal range stretches and shifts throughout this very short hook ensuring it’ll be looping in your eardrums for the significant future. The track allows enough space to breathe between the hook and the chorus, too. It is a song built from the ground up to be a hit, propped up by some decent production and an excellent vocal performance. It is a track that exudes romance, but more importantly it is a track that exudes potential.
You can listen to ‘Underwater’ on Laura Jae’s Soundcloud here. Be sure to check out her previous EP – Silver Lined Hearts – there, too.
Words by Benjamin Newman