"LEO": the indie singer-songwriter crafts endearing ballads for her first EP

The eponymous EP from LÉO is so much more than an overview of her budding oeuvre thus far— in the course of six tracks, the songstress doesn't hold back from lamenting her shattered heart and the distress of piecing it back together. Never a facile process, the weight of despondence remains heavy in these confessional songs, but not without emotional solace for those seeking it.

After her earnest debut the previous year, the audience gradually became acquainted with LÉO as she quietly revealed singles from her upcoming EP. Not craving for mainstream attention or hopping onto any commercial bandwagon, the vocalist's ingenuity lies in her delicate yet potent timbre amidst homespun-like compositions, sounding more personal and close to heart than glossy or superficially perfect.

These distinguishing hallmarks stand out right from the first act in the EP: the wounded vocals don't sugarcoat the bitterness from heartbreak in "What You Do," remaining purposely rough around the edges with the inclusion of grungy guitars. "Nowhere To Go" has that jangly folk sound, supporting the husky voice ailing from disillusionment of being stuck. Nevertheless, the bittersweet "You & Me" longs for a reunion, a gentle, metronomic beat, alongside cozy harmonies collaborating in its summery hook. "Farmer's Daughter" unfolds in a mellow folk rock cadence, the fragile rendition yearning deeply ("Oh I wish you would be here" as the chorus echoes). "Warm" shares a beautiful resemblance to evergreen Motown ballads, a raspy and soulful performance swaying in tune with the smooth instrumentation; sultry and heartfelt altogether. The conclusion is ushered by "Sunday Morning," a soothing record guided by the dreamy-eyed singing and mildly driven guitar tones, resulting in a peaceful and memorable serenade.

Listen to this EP on Spotify and YouTube, and stay connected to LEO on Instagram and TikTok.