In a powerful show of creativity, "Permanent Recovery" from the forthcoming singer-songwriter Mara Sol is a candid and nuanced EP, structured as a book that centers around the positive transformation one can embrace— one step at a time— after enduring stressful and bitter times. Made remarkable with mellow yet determined performances and genuine lyricism, the EP gracefully unfurls, ushering a change through a collection of stirring tunes that come off as intimate and thoughtful.
Taking the initiative to learn guitars and music production proved much more rewarding, as the California-based songstress has made impressive strides in the alternative and folk scene since 2021. This wasn't her first foray into music, having devoted an extensive period in musical theater since childhood, and later training in classical voice at the reputed Cornish College in Seattle. Qualified and experienced, it's self-evident as to why her music carries depth and profoundness, notwithstanding variety in genres (from upbeat rock tune "Hold My Love" to stripped-back renditions like "Inside"); while listening to her seminal 2022 debut "Be Still," the feelgood guitar riffs and the endearing vocal performance are the crowning elements of this record: it's heartwarming and romantic. Her fans have also shown much support for "Like Fire," which came out this year— lustrous and gentle, the bright and acoustic instrumental is gently preceded by the poetic, ethereal singing.
Nine months in the making, "PERMANENT RECOVERY" focuses on several saddening events, and how Mara came to terms with those. Five ambient interludes mark the progression, such as a welcoming snippet titled "Ch. 1 (like every good story)." Right after, "Other Side" is a consolatory Fleetwood Mac-esque folk-rock tune (as the main chorus resonates with the words "It's a long way back//But I will be here on the other side”). Welcomed by "Ch. 2 (we are but layers of moments)," we are introduced to the grief-stricken "Flowers" as the songstress reveals about a close friend who passed away; from the naivete and joyful days of childhood to turning into adults and her untimely demise. Mournful, she regrets not being there for her ("She had some troubles that I never heard//But then again was I listening").
"Dreaming To Feel You," the sixth song on this EP, holds an upbeat groove with alt-rock style arrangements that include synths and breezy guitars. It’s a heartbreak ballad, as the vocals crave to be in love once again, disappointed by the ensuing days after the break-up and wanting to 'dream hard enough' to cherish the good memories. In "To Be Whole," the heart-rending lyrics disclose the gaping emptiness left by the death of a loved one and wishing to recover ("I wanna know//What's it like to be whole") as solemn cello strings underscore the introspective performance. For the final act, "Still Breathing" is a ray of sunshine after the preceding songs; it's bubbly and undeterred, marked by the vibrant Ukulele melodies and swift drums as the vocal rendition celebrates perseverance through rough patches. The EP leaves on this high note, rejuvenating a sense of hope and positivity.
Pre-save "PERMANENT RECOVERY" on your choice of platform and be the first one to listen to the album on the release stay tuned with Mara Sol and her upcoming music on Instagram.
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