EP Review: In Plain Sight

England-born, Auckland-based folk artist SAZ debuts with her gorgeous EP In Plain Sight. It’s a crystalline project all about self-reflection and introspection, recorded at Broome Studios with producers Tom Broome and Jacob Brown.

Friend Like Me is a warm track carried by SAZ’s soulful vocals. Whilst the lyrics are at times overly simple, and could potentially be given greater personality and uniqueness, the melodies feel organic, delivering a narrative about supporting yourself through the hard times and being your own best friend. It’s an inspiring message made dynamic by the soaring instrumentation.

Follow-up The Watcher is particularly dramatic, with delicate, sweet harmonies adding textural layers of interest. The relaxed tempo gives a deceptively summery vibe but the storytelling is more raw, about pursuing chaos to feel something. Light pianos throughout stand out as a particularly catchy feature.

The final two songs focus on stripped-back ballad styles. Til Spring Comes Again focuses on how time heals and changes us all. SAZ’s vocal shines here on the high notes, which are airy and saccharine, but still beautifully expressive. Lastly, Hear Me Now fizzes with subtle jazzy elements and slick electric guitars, making for a sweeping cinematic finale committing to the search for “happiness at my door”.

In Plain Sight is a beautiful effort within the adult contemporary genre. Its songwriting is classic and moving, and fans will likely see so much of themselves in SAZ thanks to her sincere vulnerability and undeniable musical talent.