No Rush EP – Olivia Junholm

Headphones provide us with a wonderful sense of isolation and escapism from the voices and rumble on our commute and everyday journeys. It is also a place to privately discover artists and musicians who draw our attention away from the outside world and into their emotional, empathetic tales.

It is a perfect place to discover a Swedish artist such as Olivia Junholm. The Gothenburg based singer/songwriter released her debut EP No Rush, fittingly written and catered for escaping the pace of modern life.

The 5-track collection is an invitation into a selection of charming pop-tinged songs with sweet soulful vocals. The playfulness of title Hurry Slow reflects in Olivia’s vocal style. Undoubtedly inspired by personal experience, Olivia’s words are instantly relatable and she excels throughout with immersive phrasing.

Perspective feels like a summer breeze and Olivias’ vocal melodies warm with a dreamy guitar arrangement and hand-clapping rhythm. A personal fave is the catchy No Rush. Soulful with endearing sentiments only a deeper bassline would have heightened my already pleased senses.

The blissful and dreamy ballad Let Me is absorbingly written and Calling satisfactorily rounds off the EP.

The value of time and reflection form the EPs thread and ties all the songs neatly together for a highly engaging listening experience.

Perhaps, you won’t discover this in the ‘soul’ section; however, Olivia Junholm delivers a thoughtful collection to calm the mind and replenish the spirit. Now that’s soul for me.