Singer/Songwriter, Niamh Casey has released her debut EP, ‘Memories of my Chaotic Existence’. Despite only being six tracks long, it has the depth of a full length album, and the emotion and love that has clearly been poured into it is evident throughout.
Kicking things off, ‘Us Against the World’ gives listeners a jaunty introduction. It isn’t particularly fast, but it isn’t slow either, instead just an easy listening number that displays Niamh’s harmonic, smooth voice. The vocals in this do sound amazing, particularly the layered vocalising and the way she sings ‘You and I’ and goes up the scale slightly to really emphasise the line.
The song follows a basic verse, chorus, verse, chorus structure, leaning into the easy listening aspect, but the bridge is where everything culminates and is a real stand out. It’s catchy and appears to be slightly quicker paced, varying things. As the song builds to its climax, a quieter version of the chorus which features mainly just singing and what sounds like clapping comes in. The ‘You and I’ line again is used well as it flows seamlessly into a second chorus of the same, eventually leading the first track out nicely.
Track two, ‘Dear Past Lover’ is softer in contrast, a ballad style beginning, juxtaposing and experimenting with the tones and moods of the EP. In this composition, Niamh’s vocals are really on fire, reaching beautifully high notes that leave genuine chills. It’s emotional. The song gradually layers instruments until it builds up to what feels like anger. It has its moments of quiet, but it builds straight back up again, portraying the heartfelt feelings powered into the track.
Both the third song, ‘Wicked Tricks’ and song five ‘Revive’ feel quite similar in tone. Whilst every song on the EP offers something different, the middle songs are really interesting and are the glue that ensures the tracks flow smoothly. They are both quite jaunty again, but also slightly moody and emotive, and it’s hard to tell whether you should feel happy or sad when listening to them. The answer is neither and both at the same time, which is the beauty of them.
‘Fake Friend’ , which comes between the two aforementioned tracks, has a somewhat dramatic instrumental opening. There’s something sombre about it, and it also has Bond theme vibes. It still has elements of easy listening, which feature throughout ‘Memories of my Chaotic Existence’, but in this one, there’s parts that feel epic, especially the instrumentals. However, the powerful vocals are what captivate you. The choice to isolate the singing against muted instruments is a stroke of genius, and the increasing volume at which Niamh sings in the bridge is pure perfection because you can’t help but hear the strength of her voice.
Finally, ‘Compare’ finishes off Niamh Casey’s EP. As it’s the last track, it’s always good to finish on something more subdued and the wispy vocals that linger fulfil that sentiment, whilst also leaving a lasting impression. It’s another emotive track, which is always emphasised more by the acoustic sound. Again there are elements of build up to highlight the power in her voice, and it’s a beautiful way to end the EP and convey Niamh’s strengths, knowing that she uses them effectively. To conclude, Niamh Casey’s EP is a must hear, and you are sure to love it.
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