Dutch singer-songwriter and pianist Rosa Vendel presents her four-track debut EP Silhouettes on October 16, moving between alternative folk and soul through piano-led arrangements, evocative vocals, and carefully layered production. The release will be celebrated with a concert at Splendor in Amsterdam, providing a fitting introduction to Vendel’s emerging body of work.
Opening the EP, “The Unseen (All For Nothing)” traverses with delicate yet powerful allure. Wintry piano tones commence with dreamy intrigue, while Vendel’s lead emergence lends an ominous feeling of anticipation in this striking contrast: “flowers blooming / fire surrounding” The sense of freefall is artfully conveyed in the imagery of both beauty and destruction, with the “fall down, to the rhythm of the breakdown” pinpointing that thematic hold well. An ensuing segment, with sweeping strings and heightened delivery emotion, tugs at the heart, and reminds of a more understated Kate Bush. “The Unseen (All For Nothing)” wastes no time in showcasing Vendel’s strong songwriting ability.
Next up, “In Between” captures uncertainty with relatable prowess, asking “do I know where I’m going?” as ruminating rhythms add to the twangy acoustic guitar presence. A beckoning for inner-peace pairs with a longing to go back to the city, “to be seen,” — echoing the human quality of searching for a place that feels like home, from wide open spaces to the bustling of cities. Electric guitar adds to a wordless phrasing entrancement at midpoint, sending chills there. The EP’s title track ensues, embracing a mellow key-driven charm and an “I’ve been trying new things” opening proclamation, resembling a prevailing through darkness to keep moving forward.
The EP’s evolution from personal free-falling to an embrace of self-power and perseverance is stirring, with finale “Skywoman” echoing the realization that wading through fear, instead of wallowing away, can result in one spreading their own wings further than ever. Serene piano haunts complement Vendel’s enveloping lead presence here, its imagery of “willow trees and sweet grass” melding with encouragements to act upon plans and motivation, as soulful backing harmonies inject seamlessly. An expanse to buzzy electronics combines with a phrasing plea to keep fighting, “until these wings are our own skin.” Powerfully poetic and melodically moving, Silhouettes is an excellent EP from Rosa Vendel.
