Holding a great amount of passion and meaning in just three tracks, this EP in all its sensual, mellow, melodic glory, ensures that listeners will not only have a good time sound-wise, but also a sense of empowerment and newfound strength.
Claire Tonna’s vocals contain so much depth and emotion with every line she sings, that and with her intentions of urging audiences to — as what the title track “Held” is about — hold on. This one narrates discoveries, struggles and the refusal to give in to them, and the aim to motivate and inspire to keep going; to keep living their lives the best way they can.
There’s nothing more beautiful than the lines of “In these moments of pure longing / where I’m broken and I’m done / I could hear the girl I was / and I find the strengths I’ve grown” and “I’ll sing until I soar / to hear my heart’s sweet rhythm / saying, ‘you are meant for more!’”. It’s honestly catchy in terms of vocals and rhyme, the beat offering a strong and firm platform to carry the meaning by.
In the next song, “Awake”, the sound of piano shines through, embracing every other element together. It talks about finding beauty in life, taking time to appreciate everything, expressions of gratitude and sensation. The track also implies that money, in the context of self-actualization, is the least thing of importance, as love trumps any form of currency. It claims that it cannot aid in finding and helping one’s self, imposing the clear message of prioritizing yourself over materialistic desires.
“A Woman I Love” expresses self-love in the highest level, presuming the woman talked about all throughout this song refers to herself. The vocals hit differently, knowing it’s the final song on the EP. “And when no one could be there / she grabbed herself well”, embracing independence, as we all should. “I love the lines on her face / the way she lusts with trust” referring to the acknowledgement of her strong and positive qualities, a form of self-love. And finally, “when the world is falling apart / I fall in love with me and her”.
That last song is a perfect ender, and every aspect of this EP holds a great deal of positivity within. In terms of instrumentals, none of which are overbearing for the listeners to miss the message completely. Instead, it flows with the vocals perfectly, creating harmony between both elements. In the words of Claire Tonna: give life a shot, and choose love!
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About the Author
Kate Clarice Lee is a psychology major in Ateneo de Naga University with a knack for music and writing. She takes interest in playing guitar, poetry, creative writing, and lyrics that—subjectively—hit close to home. Kate mostly enjoys indie, alternative, pop & punk rock music.
