Out today, ‘Solas’, by Amie K, feels like a warm hug welcoming you home after a long journey. The five track EP follows on from her single, ‘Pink Skies‘, which was previously released last month as a Bandcamp exclusive, and is now featured on the EP.
Folk/Pop singer songwriter Amie has crafted a true family affair in this EP, which adds to the overall homey vibe. Opening with ‘Daydreaming’, we are quickly brought up to speed that this EP explores themes of home, along with homesickness, and a general nostalgia. The next track, ‘Dreaming Of May’, gives Amie the opportunity to let her sublime vocals soar, while ‘Sunflowers’, which features additional backing vocals by her sister Alicia, and gorgeous instrumentals (we feel that there’s a hurdy gurdy in there but we’re not sure), ensures that we’re left in no doubt that this is a family affair.
And indeed, it is. ‘Solas’ was produced by Amie’s brother Leo, and mixed and mastered by her father, Danny. In addition to Alicia’s backing vocals on ‘Sunflowers’, the sunflower itself that was photographed for the EP’s artwork, was grown by mum Ita.
‘Solas’, which takes its name from the Irish word for light, works as a pun on the word “solace”, reflecting on the peace Amie found when returning home during lockdown.
Speaking about the EP, Amie said,
“Home, or the idea of home, was an unshakeable force in my mind over the past year. Getting to record this at home with my brother just feels so fitting for the journey of this EP. The songs all come from different places but all meet at the place we call home”.
The EP finishes majestically with ‘Evergreen’, Amie’s stunning voice joined by an ethereal, not quite melancholy – but nearly – backing vocal. There’s an almost gospel-vibe to it; perfectly matched to Amie’s slow paced rendition of the lyrics.
Overall it’s a stunning EP, and one which we can heartily recommend. It’s like a much-needed hug, and in these days of Covid-19, don’t we all need one of those!
You can stream and download ‘Solas’ here. Find out more about Amie K and her music online on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bandcamp, Spotify, and Apple Music.
