REVIEW: Lauren Bird - The Farewell EP

Warm singer-songwriter Lauren Bird documents her personal journey with depression in her brand new project, which will surely strike a chord with anyone who has struggled with the darkness of mental illness. A brave EP, each track on The Farewell illuminates the way in which Bird has moved forward through music and introspective work to become a matured, free version of herself.

Opening with the poignant 'Here Again', the Northern Ireland artist's trademark crystal clear, twinkling vocals parallel with rich background harmonies - shrouded in depth. Showing no signs of shrouding the lyrics in mystery, Bird uses everyday language and a Taylor Swift brand of sweetness to connect.

"Staring at these pills/ second time it kills/ And I don't want to be here again/ So if you'll fix me/ Maybe this time I'll listen/ I can't keep on buying flowers to make me smile/ 'cause that only lasts so long," she sings on the track, searching for a quick fix into the bloodstream to heal her mental wounds.

'Keep Trying' is aimed at those who struggle to look at themselves in the mirror, expressing deep frustrations with societal norms and beauty standards. The delicate song acts as a type of comforting love letter to her teenage self, saying what she needed to hear at that time in her life. With insightful lyricism cushioned by her characteristically charming vocals and playful guitar line; Bird provides a warm embrace to her listener in the track. Despite the complex, often-stigmatised subject matter, the musician treats the topic with care and seeming ease.

'Millennials' - a gorgeously simple folk-pop track written to her generation - references a yearning for stability in the late-stage capitalist age. Growing up before depression was "mainstream", being labelled a snowflake for occasionally hating a world that doesn't allow dignified living, and the ever-looming rent crisis are all given a mention in the insightful song. The single was released last December after a fundraising campaign.

But it is our fault/ For not buying houses / And not taking jobs or settling for spouses we don't love / And we know our phones will probably kill us / But it's the only way to speak to everyone that's gone away

Concluding with the title track, Bird delves into a gratitude for a new way of self-expression, bidding goodbye to a past version of herself who couldn't get out of bed, lived deeply inside her own head and was soaked in doubt. It maintains a steady pace throughout, looking towards the future with a sparkling sense of freedom. A fitting end, the hauntingly honest four-piece EP illustrates Bird's artistic and personal growth to perfection. Laying her emotions and diary entry thoughts on the line for her audience to dissect, wearing her heart on her sleeve is one of the many reasons why her words resonate with listeners.

Stream Lauren Bird's The Farewell EP below: