A consistently immersive EP from Joy Morales, Blooming touts a beautiful combination of electronica, soul, and folk within relatable themes of personal growth, movement, and change. These four tracks excel in their range of both lush introspection and ardent effervescence, from ruminations of decision paralysis within “Habits” to the emphasis on shifting priorities across “Next Destination” and “Baptized.”
A haunting atmosphere takes hold on the opening “…okay. Let’s Go.” Ghostly, wordless vocals and nocturnal synth swells assemble into a gorgeous glistening at its conclusion. “Habits” then commences organically, building from the aforementioned rise, and reminding fondly of Oneohtrix Point Never in the artful, dynamic production. The sporadic shimmers and folk-set lushness interact cohesively with plucky, enveloping strings. The track, which features Melissa McMillan, is an enthralling showcase of Morales’ knack for blissful atmospheric intrigue and brilliant folk/electronic intertwining.
The EP’s second half proves equally compelling; “Next Destination” yearns for simple pleasures and “the sun as it’s warming your skin,” — complemented by soulful vocal captivation and mellow keys. “Ain’t nothing we can do,” the vocals continue, reflective of shifting priorities and changes in one’s life — that can tend to arise spontaneously and with little foresight. “Baptized” closes the EP in lovely form, continuing themes of shifting priorities. “Let your spirit be baptized,” the vocals let out, traversing into a spine-tingling conclusion where various vocal layers and trickling instrumentation combine with emotively gripping excellence. Blooming is a fantastic success from Joy Morales, engaging in its soulfully melodic soundscapes and satiating structural navigations.
Blooming releases on January 6th.
