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Terri-Ann is a talented Scarborough-based performer; she’s been playing professionally and posting on YouTube for several years now and has assembled quite the following. She’s covered a diverse range of songs from James Brown to Lorde, but earlier this year she released her first official EP, ‘Intricate’.
The four song EP kicks off with ‘Tucked Up’ a cheery number that feels positive and light – about finding safety and belonging. The piano and guitar blend nicely and glockenspiel chimes lift the tune. This is the shortest song of the EP, and I’d say the most rooted in pop; also the most catchy.
If the first song is light and frilly, the second is darker and more brooding. ‘Fear of the Fall’ has a similar instrument palette but stronger drums and harsher guitar, the main and backing vocals have been carefully considered and produced, which adds a lot. The stress on the third beat of the bar, for me, tinges the sounds with a sense of danger. The lyrics are good and give a solid atmosphere of what the song is about.
‘Hunger’ is the most R&B of the songs, thanks mostly to the chord progressions and drums. I’d say it is a modern take on the genre, and works well; the vocals are particularly soulful and skilled. This song, like the EP in general, is gentle and makes for easy listening.
My favourite is the last tune, ‘H.O.P.E.’. I find it the most snappy and original tune of the four. It takes the style of a story song, with only one repeat of the chorus. There is a nice quadruple stutter to upset the otherwise flowing gentle rhythm. I especially like the generous length and extended coda.
The songs are solid, well produced and original, and reflect each other nicely; for my taste I’d say perhaps the instruments are perhaps a little too light, clean and generic, but the whole thing is undeniably very professional. Her vocal style is skilled and original, her lyrics solid and all the music of a high standard. Personally I’d love to hear more synth stuff; like her single ‘Mask of Sanity’– and I have only positive expectations of Terri-Ann in the future.
This charming EP is a “must listen” for local R&B and Pop fans, and I looking forward to hearing more original songs from this cool local musician.
Click to find Terri-Ann and Intricate on: Itunes – Soundcloud – Facebook
