Ayla Gold’s Nuance EP is a dreamy, emotional ride that shows off her ability to blend indie-rock energy with deep, heartfelt lyricism.

The first track, Thrills, starts things off with a dreamy electric guitar riff that immediately pulls you in. The way the layers gradually build on top of one another — soft harmonies in the chorus, drums kicking in at just the right moment — gives it a whole new level of depth. By the time the distorted guitar and unexpected electric guitar solo hit, you’re fully immersed. Gold’s warm, clear vocals tie it all together beautifully, giving the song the kind of vibe that fans of Mazzy Star and Japanese Breakfast will love.

Then there’s Over the Phone, whose groovy bass and upbeat drums that get your head bopping along. The slightly distorted vocals add a gritty, pop-rock feel that reminds me of Kiwi artists like The Beths. The chorus — “You won’t commit to me / No, you won’t commit to me”— is one of those lines you want to shout at the top of your lungs at a concert, surrounded by a put full of fellow fan girls. The synth that comes in during the second verse adds a surprising but very much welcome layer that really elevates the song in ways you didn’t even realise it could be elevated.

After the high-energy of Over the Phone, wandering / wondering boy slows things down again, bringing back the soft, wistful tone of Thrills. The simple guitar and Gold’s tender vocals are the perfect mix for an emotional punch. The way the song pulls back in the verses, only to build again in the chorus with high vocal harmonies and added instrumental layers, is like riding an emotional wave. And when Gold sings, “You don’t, you don’t know how he loves / You don’t, you don’t know he can make you strong,” holding that last note, aims straight for the heart. It is for all these reasons that wandering / wondering boy was my instant favourite song on this EP.

One Day You Will picks up some energy back up again, with pulsing drums after a gentle acoustic intro. It’s a nice mix of the upbeat vibe from Over the Phone and the stripped-back feel of Thrills, making it a stand-out of the EP with fun drum fills and a powerful vocal performance that builds to a strong finish. Gold belts like never before on this track: the perfect climax for a dynamic force that is Nuance.

Dear Girl closes out the EP on a hopeful note, with a refreshing piano intro that breaks away from the guitar-led sound of the other tracks. The syncopated chords and stacked harmonies in the chorus add an uplifting feel, while Gold’s lyrics — “I have been in the place that you stand / Feeling estranged / Slightly deranged / These times are only temporary… There will be life for you to take flight” – leave you with a sense of optimism, especially after the emotional journey of the previous songs. The catchy melody and positive vibes make Dear Girl the perfect closer for this collection of work.

Overall, every track on Nuance offers something different while still pulling on listeners’ heartstrings throughout. This EP proves that Ayla Gold is definitely an artist to watch, and I’m already excited to see what she does next.

• 1
  Head Like A Hole
• 2
  Fraser Ross
• 3
  Horror Story
• 4
  Fur Patrol
• 5
  L.A.B.
• 6
  Michelle Rounds
• 7
  Devilskin
• 8
  Coridian
• 9
  The Boondocks
• 10
  Late to Chelsea

• 
  Dream Chambers @ Meow Nui, Wellington - 14/12/2024
• 
  The Phoenix Foundation @ Meow Nui, Wellington - 14/12/2024
• 
  Cassie Henderson @ The Powerstation, Auckland - 07/12/2024
• 
  Frankie Venter @ The Powerstation, Auckland - 07/12/2024

• 1
  APT.
  ROSÉ And Bruno Mars
• 2
  DIE WITH A SMILE
  Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars
• 3
  BIRDS OF A FEATHER
  Billie Eilish
• 4
  TASTE
  Sabrina Carpenter
• 5
  I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
  Gracie Abrams
• 6
  ESPRESSO
  Sabrina Carpenter
• 7
  SAILOR SONG
  Gigi Perez
• 8
  LOSE CONTROL
  Teddy Swims
• 9
  A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
  Shaboozey
• 10
  GOOD LUCK, BABE!
  Chappell Roan

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