Eva Lazarus - Brandy Kisses (Album)
Photo Credit @mr.harvey.wallbanger
Following a string of well-received singles, multi-faceted artist Eva Lazarus shares her sophomore album Brandy Kisses, out now via Melonskin Records.
Having already made her name in different UK scenes and subcultures, Eva has previously collaborated with Swindle, Mungo’s Hi Fi, Gardna, Benny Page and Zed Bias. Through Brandy Kisses, she explores an amalgamation of sounds and genres that have shaped her artistry. Effortlessly jumping from soulful croons to punchy rap verses, Eva showcases all avenues of her ability to create a seamless body of work which takes the listener on a journey through the varying dynamics of relationships, with strong messages about standing strong in your own beauty.
Eva kicks off Brandy Kisses with the perfect introduction ‘Define Me By My Love’. The piano led instrumental is partnered with a gospel choir which creates a soulful atmosphere, allowing Eva to enter. Maintaining the energy, this moves into ‘Empty Pockets’ which emerges with gripping guitar strings, giving Eva the opportunity to pour her truth into the music. Leading seamlessly into the third track, ‘Mixed Messages’ sees the artist pick up the tempo with a jazz infused instrumental. The saxophone led backdrop is partnered with wonderful piano keys as she delivers a glorious vocal performance.
Shifting the mood of the project, February release ‘How Am I Looking?’ is Eva’s opportunity to blend upbeat flows with a melodic vocal performance, creating a more energetic offering. Arriving as an empowering ode to Blackness, the track encourages them to embrace their beauty and hairstyles while also exploring Eva’s self-love journey. The fifth track ‘No Limits’ blends old school hip-hop elements with soul as she showcases her rap talents with an infectious hook glittering with lush harmonies. Showcasing a more heartfelt vibe, self-produced ‘I Prayed For You’ is an emotional lullaby where she beautifully expresses her love to her child over an acoustic backdrop that samples her son’s voice.
Next is the sensual energy of ‘Lioness’ with Eva delivering sultry tones with in-pocket raps that spotlight her self-belief. ‘I’m On My Way’ is an R&B leaning joint built around an unforgettable hook, and her quick-fire flow that highlight her cultural influences and impressive pen-game. Next is the title track ‘Brandy Kisses’, a joyous upbeat love song where Eva shows the breadth of her vocal abilities. The jazz-inflected soul rhythms on ‘If You Ever Leave Your Girl’ entices Eva to embrace her sexuality. Elaborating on from theme of this track is ‘Secrets’ which leans back into old-school hip hop influences that bleed into the following song ‘On God’.
Leading into Eva’s latest single release from the album, ‘Lessons’ is a reflective bluesy record featuring a slick verse from Birmingham rapper Kofi Stone. This is followed by previous single release ‘Royalty’, a rich soulful anthem laced with confidence, before taking a gritty turn with ‘Flashing Lights’, comprising an alluring horn section that runs parallel with a more sassy and fiery side to Eva who welcomes all the attention as she demands, “give me the good lighting”. Finally, project closer ‘The Party Is Over’ wraps up the project with a huge statement as the track is led by a dramatic string orchestra that matches the emotion-driven record.