Artist: Izzi Dunn
Release: Visions (EP)
Release Date: Out Now
Following on from her album ‘Cries & Smiles,’ singer-songwriter Izzi Dunn has graced us with the four-track EP ‘Visions.’ Straying away from the more vivacious, pop-friendly tone of her previous installment, ‘Visions’ is a far more sincere, soulful outing from the multi-talented artist.
Having acquired great industry recognition for her voice, it’s probably worth mentioning that Dunn is also one of the world’s most highly regarded cellists. She has worked with many of the greats of modern pop and soul; the likes of Damon Albarn, Bobby Womack, Mark Ronson and George Harrison but a few names on an impressive list of past collaborators benefiting from the addition of her vocals or cello.
‘Visions’ perfectly exhibits Izzi Dunn’s unique, bluesy voice; with its stripped-back production style providing vocals uninterrupted and unhindered by overindulgent instrumentals. Opening the quartet of tracks with ‘Devil’s Apprentice,’ the EP’s tone is set from the very first words uttered: “The devil ain’t got nothin’ on you, you got no soul to sell.” Whilst tenderly delivered, this characterization is sincere and direct, with the subtle instrumentals intensifying the emotion of the track.
The second of the EP’s tracks ‘Picture Of You,’ is a stirring cover of Mr Hudson’s 2007 track of the same name. Dunn’s vocals really complement Mr Hudson’s laid-back lyrical style, whilst typically adding a somewhat more passionate tone to the song. The lustful ‘It Wasn’t Love,’ displays Dunn’s more Jazz-inspired approach; the track kicking off with a cool bass-line, and the subtle strings instrumentals paired with Dunn’s suggestive vocals make for a slick portrayal of an affair of hers.
In the final song ‘Visions,’ which shares its title with that of the EP, Dunn exerts an air of maturity and life-experience, recalling “visions that I’ve seen, no soul is safe, best believe.” This track fittingly rounds up the eloquent collection of songs; Dunn rightly not feeling the need to insert a more pop-friendly number simply to please chart-dwellers.
As a whole, the result of Izzi Dunn’s change of direction – focusing primarily on her gorgeous voice, is a touchingly deep and understated collection of songs, with each aspect of the EP’s production perfectly complementing the other. The ‘Visions’ EP is a great diversion from what is expected of modern-pop artists; exuding a genuine vintage feel, bursting with elements of jazz and soul.
9/10
Reviewer: Bart Williams
