Natalie Oaks - Keeping Up Appearances [EP Review]
Let us introduce you to emerging Bristol-based singer and songwriter Natalie Oaks and her debut EP ‘Keeping Up Appearances’. Written mind-bendingly fast in a week during lockdown, the four-track project offers a spectacular glimpse of what the 19-year-old musician and Uni student has got in store for the future, as love for her contemplative, indie-leaning neo-soul sound inevitably grows - We’re excited for this one.
Soothing and introspective, Oaks’ sound is the perfect remedy for our anxious, Covid-confined and perpetually online minds. Her hazy and calming blend of R&B and neo-soul is likely to particularly appeal to her fellow frazzled Gen Z’ers, who have not only had to go through the typical emotional tornadoes that define adolescence and young adulthood but also to contend with the (I’m going to say it) *unprecedented* uncertainty and turmoil of the pandemic. The constant chaos means that chill vibes are in high demand right now and luckily, Oaks has more than enough to go round.
Oaks could easily be compared to her almost contemporary, Arlo Parks, and fans of the latter will undoubtedly enjoy this emerging artist’s tunes. Oaks too offers both a reassuring voice and a sympathetic ear, delivering lulling vocals over muted drums and pared-back instrumentals wrapped in a gauze of dreamy lo-fi. Also like Arlo, she maintains a down-tempo pace and sings in a melodic, lulling cadence that soothes like a balm. But she is undoubtedly unique, offering mesmerising, sultry vocals and introspective lyrics delivered in a distinctive, drowsy style. Another feature of Oaks music is her heavy use of the iconic Fender Rhodes keyboard sound, which consistently offers a soft, shimmering backdrop to her languidly sung, conversational lyrics, which flow and drift with the naturalness of a story told to a friend. The artist will be pleased to hear that her work is indeed reminiscent of the artists she’s inspired by, as she puts her own spin on the steadily paced, soulful kitchen sink poeticism executed so beautifully by her influences Lauryn Hill and Frank Ocean. Like these two R&B gamechangers that came before her, Oaks has a laid-back approach that puts her listeners entirely at ease as they’re pulled into her rhythmic, richly painted vignettes.
Reflecting on the project, Natalie explains: “The EP was written at a time full of confusion and desperation. 2020 was tough and it meant that I spent a lot of time in my own head, trying to understand how I felt about so many things that usually went on in my life. From unhealthy obsessions to daydreams. The stories I tell, although seemingly uncomplicated, navigate those moments of self-reflection we all experience when we get a moment to step back from the chaos. 'Keeping Up Appearances' is a snapshot of my search for clarity... whilst trying to do it with style.”
Don’t just take our word for it - At four songs long, there’s just no excuse to miss this project! Have a listen below.