When talking about the rise of UK pop girls, there is one name that needs to be included in the conversation: Tamzene. While it might not be entirely accurate to brand her solely as a pop artist, as her music is influenced by an array of genres, there is no doubt that she is one of the most promising rising stars in the UK. Tamzene’s newest project, an EP titled In Any Weather, which she released on August 16th, is yet another testament to her many talents.
Tamzene is not only a gifted singer-songwriter with a beautiful voice; she also plays several different instruments such as the piano, the violin, and the guitar. Although originally from Scotland, Tamzene is of Jamaican and Irish heritage, the influence of which is audible in her music. All of these qualities and talents combined make for beautifully unique music, as proven by her newest project.
The first track, ‘What Sundays Are For’, does indeed give Sunday vibes. It’s light-hearted and danceable, and while it starts simple, layers are added throughout the song. An upbeat tune supports the lyrics, which are bursting with joie de vivre. In its fun rhythm, Tamzene’s multicultural influences come through.
An abrupt change of atmosphere happens with ‘sleeptalking’, the second track. Lyrically, it’s one of the saddest songs on this album, with Tamzene confessing that she heard her partner sleep talking, saying they don’t love her anymore. Whether that was an actual occurrence or just a metaphor, it’s heartbreaking either way. The track is reminiscent of some of Alicia Keys’ best work.
‘Best Of Me’ is a classic break up ballad, and arguably even sadder than the previous track. The theme is a similar one: a love that has worn out, making her lose herself in the process. The added voice notes in the beginning add to the nostalgia, and the occasional vocal runs that are woven into the song give it a soulful quality. ‘Best Of Me’ is where Tamzene’s beautiful lyricism comes through.
‘Holding Onto You’, track four, is the hidden gem of the mini album. Together with its two successors, it completes the trilogy of sad heartbreak ballads. However, it stands out because it’s stripped back, accompanied only by a piano, giving Tamzene’s incredible vocals a moment to shine.
With ‘Lose Yourself’, the album takes a topical turn. While this track, too, is a ballad, the theme is no longer heartbreak. Instead, Tamzene delivers a euphoric self-love anthem, providing the confidence boost everyone deserves. Similarly to this track, the following song ‘Ain’t Waiting For The World To Turn’ is all about loving yourself. With its upbeat tune and its traces of gospel and soul, this is another standout song on the album.
‘nOtHiNg MaKeS sEnSe ToDaY’ is the perfect closing song, sombre and melancholic. What makes sense is the fact that Tamzene hails from the Scottish Highlands, because this song teleports you straight to the mystical, lush landscapes, painting an image of solitude and introspection. Another reason why this song works so well as the last song of the album is the fact that it sounds like she’s reminiscing about everything that happened between the first track and this one. ‘nOtHiNg MaKeS sEnSe ToDaY’ is the calm after the storm.
The EP’s title, In Any Weather, therefore could not be more fitting either. The moods of the songs do change as quickly as the weather. Tamzene’s versatile voice adapts to every one of those moods perfectly, going from gentle to powerful in the blink of an eye. Overall, the EP is a cohesive, soulful piece of work with plenty of replay value, marking a milestone in Tamzene’s impressive and promising career.
Written by: Melanie Falkensteiner
Edited by: Nèri Cliteur
