B-Side Guys

Sophie Lilah’s debut EP “Fear/Instinct,” released on August 15, 2024, arrives like a whispered secret from the depths of adolescence. This 21-minute collection of five tracks serves as both a time capsule of Lilah’s final years of high school and a promising introduction to a rising talent in the Perth music scene.

The EP opens with “Real,” a track that immediately establishes Lilah’s impressive vocal range. Her voice soars over understated drums and acoustic guitar, creating a sense of intimacy that draws listeners in. The production strikes a delicate balance, allowing Lilah’s vocals to take center stage while providing just enough instrumental support to create a full, rich sound.

“Content but I find” follows, offering a stark contrast to the opening track. Here, Lilah embraces a more ethereal sound, her voice floating over gentle instrumentation that evokes the hazy memories of youth. The song’s structure, with its meandering melody and dream-like atmosphere, captures the bittersweet nature of contentment tinged with longing.

The EP hits its stride with “Dreamland,” a track that showcases Lilah’s versatility as both a vocalist and songwriter. The groovy bass riff and hallucinogenic vocals create a soundscape that’s equal parts mysterious and inviting. It’s a song that wouldn’t sound out of place in a modern noir film, its mood shifting between sultry and unsettling with each verse.

“Collecting Dust,” the EP’s lead single, stands as its emotional core. Lilah’s exploration of depression through music is both raw and beautifully crafted. The track’s gradual build, punctuated by edgy guitar work, mirrors the overwhelming nature of mental health struggles. It’s a bold choice for a lead single, demonstrating Lilah’s commitment to authenticity in her art.

The EP closes with “Sinking,” a track that feels like a natural conclusion to the journey. Beginning with grounded acoustic elements, the song gradually incorporates more ethereal sounds, mirroring the EP’s overall progression from the tangible to the abstract. Lilah’s layered vocals create a sense of depth, inviting listeners to immerse themselves fully in the soundscape she’s created.

Throughout “Fear/Instinct,” Lilah demonstrates a maturity in her songwriting that belies her 18 years. Each track feels carefully crafted, with lyrics that capture the complex emotions of late adolescence without resorting to cliché. The production, while polished, maintains an organic feel that complements the intimate nature of Lilah’s songwriting.

What sets “Fear/Instinct” apart is its cohesiveness. Despite exploring different moods and sonic textures across its five tracks, the EP feels like a complete work rather than a collection of disparate songs. There’s a narrative arc to the EP, moving from the grounded reality of “Real” to the more abstract, introspective space of “Sinking.”

Lilah’s decision to release songs she no longer relates to personally speaks to her understanding of music’s power to connect and heal. By sharing these snapshots of her past self, she offers listeners a chance to find comfort and recognition in their own experiences.

At just 21 minutes, “Fear/Instinct” leaves listeners wanting more, which bodes well for Lilah’s future releases. Each track feels essential, with no filler to dilute the EP’s impact. It’s a testament to Lilah’s artistic vision that she can cover so much emotional ground in such a concise package.

As a debut, “Fear/Instinct” serves as an impressive calling card for Sophie Lilah. It showcases her as a versatile artist capable of crafting deeply personal yet universally relatable music. The attention she’s garnered from Apple Music, Triple J, and various music publications feels well-deserved based on the strength of this EP.

For fans of dreamy indie pop with a introspective edge, Sophie Lilah’s “Fear/Instinct” is a must-listen. It’s an EP that invites repeated plays, each listen revealing new nuances in the songwriting and production. As Lilah continues to evolve as an artist, “Fear/Instinct” will likely be looked back on as the first step in what promises to be an exciting musical journey.