EP REVIEW: in the meantime by R E L

In her latest EP, in the meantime, R E L offers a glimpse into her intimate musical journey, captured in a live setting with her father accompanying her on guitar. in the meantime unfolds like a personal diary, each song recorded in a single take, lending a raw and authentic quality to the music.

The inspiration behind the EP stems from a Jeff Buckley tribute show where R E L performed “Hallelujah” alongside her father. This heartfelt moment sparked the idea to record the EP live, with the help of friends Pop Levi and Luke Muscatelli, along with engineer Edward Quintero. The result is a collection of four songs that feel spontaneous and organic that reflect the magic of a live performance.

From the soul-stirring rendition of “Hallelujah” to the introspective “Stumbling,” R E L‘s ethereal vocals and emotive lyrics take centre stage, accompanied by subtle yet haunting guitar melodies. The addition of the new song, “Crying in MacArthur,” adds a fresh dimension to the EP, showcasing R E L‘s songwriting prowess and collaborative spirit.

As an artist, R E L has always defied genre boundaries, blending elements of pop, electro, and dream pop to create her own unique sound. With in the meantime, she continues to push the boundaries of her music, infusing each track with a sense of vulnerability and authenticity that is both captivating and relatable.

Closing the EP with “Green Eyes,” R E L leaves listeners with a message of hope and resilience. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of uncertainty, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. With its enchanting melodies and heartfelt lyrics, in the meantime is evidence of R E L‘s artistic vision and unwavering passion for storytelling through music.

EDITOR’S NOTE: artist stylises their name, album, and songs  in lowercase or uppercase letters