EP Review: "BLOOM" - SOZI
- Kaitlyn Nicole
- Apr 8
- 4 min read
Los Angeles born, pop singer/songwriter, producer and engineer, SOZI has released her highly anticipated debut EP, "BLOOM", the first of a 4-part Seasons themed project, starting off with Spring.
TRACKLIST
Seconds
Fall Away
Just For A Minute
Set Me Free
SOZI grew up in a musically inclined family, always singing and dancing, finding joy in the world of arts and entertainment. She began taking classical piano training and lessons at the age of 7, and then started her songwriting journey at only age 10. In 2019, she released her debut single, "Drinking For Two", but it wasn't until 2022 when she released her next single, "Summer Views" that her career as an artist really kickstarted. Ever since, she has been consistently releasing original music and performing all over the United States, performing at well-known stages and festivals. Her 2023 single, "Never Fade" was featured on Netflix's hit reality TV show, Love Is Blind. The "BLOOM" EP is one part of a four piece project. Themed within the seasons, "BLOOM" represents Spring, exploring themes of transformation, freedom, and the ability to become ones true self. A release party was hosted by SOZI for this EP, called The Bloom Experience, which was held at the Madeline Garden in Pasadena. Featuring an intimate, acoustic performance of the EP and an afternoon tea party, a beautiful moment was created in celebration to not only welcome new music, but to welcome Spring. Let's check out these songs!
Seconds
The EP starts with "Seconds", a song about fleeting time and the anxiety that comes along with not taking advantage of it to the best of your ability. Time just seems to keep moving faster and faster these days; and everyone tries to tell us to enjoy our lives while we're still young, but how can you when it feels like there isn't enough time to? These are supposed to be the best years of our lives, but a lot of us feel stuck without a clue how to shake the stress while the rest of the world just seems to move on like it's nothing. It's like you're almost paralyzed with fear of missing out, but all this time you spend worrying, the more time you lose when you could be trying to do things that make you happy. "Seconds" has an energetic, fast-paced pop beat, matching the ticking time bomb mood of the story, with shimmering synths, smooth electric guitar and a groovy bassline.
Fall Away
Next, we have "Fall Away", a beautiful, folk inspired song about letting go of the past. The song has bright, heavenly plucked strings that draw you in immediately. It builds with a clap / tambourine rhythm mixture, background vocals and heavy reverb to create this gorgeously ethereal atmosphere. "Fall Away" focuses on the topic of recognizing that you're not the same person that you used to be, and that is okay. You have to let go of that person, and let yourself be who you are now, or you'll never be able to grow and feel like your one true self. Clinging onto the past will only hold you back in life. It can be easier said than done, but once you finally move on, you will feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders, and you can finally breathe again; that's what the song "Fall Away", sounds like to me - a deep breath of fresh air. Like everything is going to be okay.
Just For A Minute
"Just For A Minute" is a commercial pop bop that we can all relate to. With a sliding synth bass, crashing drums and an addicting melody, this song has what I like to call a feel good soundscape. The mood and vibes are very positive in a way that are meant to lift your spirits up, even if the topic itself isn't necessarily the happiest. "Just For A Minute" is about wanting to escape all the dark, negative, stressful noise that goes on inside of your head. Even if it was just for a minute, that's all you'd need just to feel some sense of relief from that daily self-struggle. SOZI created a fun way to cope with these type of feelings, because this song is so easy to sing along to. The chorus lists off things that SOZI would do if she could just have one moment in time do to anything she wanted, even if it's the most wild and crazy thing you can think of. I already had the chorus stuck in my head after one listen! This song is a reminder that you're not alone.
Set Me Free
Last, but certainly not least, we close out the EP with the track "Set Me Free". This song has a unique mixture of dark pop & folk, with a groove that draws you in immediately. It's tone is both empowering, yet haunting at the same time, with a very cinematic atmosphere. It definitely gives you chills down your spine. The mixture of strings, drums and SOZI's vocals paired with the variety of rhythms keep you on your toes. "Set Me Free" is about not letting the world hold you down anymore, and recognizing the strength you have as an individual. It's time to reclaim your power, and set yourself free from the chains that you've let others tie you down with.
SOZI really hit the nail on the head with this one. After years of releasing singles, this debut EP is a wonderful introduction to something bigger. These songs are more beautiful than I could've ever imagined they could be. The concept of this 4-part project is so exciting, and after listening to "BLOOM", I am so eager to hear what is yet to come. It so perfectly represents Spring with it's fresh, clean, empowering soundscapes and themes. SOZI's songwriting and unique voice captures you so effortlessly. There is still so much more to hear from SOZI, so make sure to follow her below on her socials to keep updated on what and when is next!
Written By Kaitlyn Nicole
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*Sponsored Post - Discovered on SubmitHub. A contribution was made to help create this article as part of a promotional campaign.