K.Flay remains a relatable voice on fiery EP Outside Voices

K.Flay

"Outside Voices EP"

Release date: 19 November 2021

8/10

22 November 2021, 08:07 | Written by Izzy Sigston

(Albums)

(K.Flay)

In 2021, an outsider of the universe would naively think that the world would be nearly perfect, and life would be the equivalent of skipping on a bed of soft roses. Unfortunately, the only thing we seem to be skipping on is the undergrowth of thorns and mud, as the world is far from perfect. But it’s great to see that Chicago-born K.Flay, has encapsulated these feelings of misery into the wonderful world of music in her brand new EP Outside Voices.

A voice of relatability for anyone still pining for an ex comes in the form of “Nothing Can Kill Us”, as Flay pines for a past lover in this bass heavy banger. And it’s not a ballad, more of a middle finger up to the love you’ve lost, as K.Flay choruses “Photo in my jacket / Buried like a hatchet”. The track roars with intoxicating reverb and jumping drums which takes on a similar shape as Lorde’s “Green Light”.

You can’t help but marvel at the agonsing truth in K.Flay’s “I’m Afraid Of The Internet”, an insight into the life of someone who’s mental health is rapidly declining thanks to the negativity found on the internet. A track that can resonate with so many of the younger generation, Flay uses humour to deflect how bad the situation really is, as she boils “God, it’s hard to be innocent / When the world keeps showing you its dick”. With themes and sounds which bear resemblance to Olivia Rodrigo’s “brutal”, K.Flay falls into a rabbit hole of overthinking which ultimately leads back to a destructive method we’re all guilty of doing, opening our phones and glueing our eyes back on to social media.

“Maybe There’s A Way” takes a back seat in terms of vibrant sounds, and instead moves forward towards muted guitar riffs and soothing melodies. Flay delicately and honestly describes the decline of her mental health, poignantly singing “Thought I’d died last night / But the morning came”, even so, she offers a shoulder of solace in the following lyrics “I say “Hey, wait, maybe I can change” / Maybe there’s a way”.

The quirky “Weirdo” is filled with humour with background mumbles disclosing “Had a bowl cut when I was eight, it was not great”, as a disjointed piece with recurrent indie rock hooks throughout. EP closer “Caramel And Symphonies” runs parallel to EP opener “Nothing Can Kill Us”, reinforcing the decline of that relationship in a more cinematic approach, with the introduction of strings into the track. It’s a record that will attract the attention of anyone looking for fiery rhythm and lyrics that head straight into the realms of relatability.