Unloading and sharing feelings, emotions, and memories through music is a beautiful thing, and Kiran’s debut EP is a perfect example of that. Curated with heavy influences of R&B, “Memories in the Backseat”, despite its soft and mellow upbringing, offers a high-powered emotional drive and vocal skill; a clear product of the support given to him by loved ones.
“Who’s Gonna Save Her?” is a heavy and beautifully well-put song, seemingly (at first) being about trying to save someone, yet the troubled person still ends up falling inwards regardless of the effort of helping her, hence the lines “When lily cries / He turns a blind eye”, the implication of giving up on her evident.
This narrative is paired with a somber tune, yet it’s enough to support the belting vocals. It only gets powerful by the second, and the story heavier, creating an utterly heartbreaking song altogether. It’s an intriguing song, and would really make you wonder what inspired Kiran to descriptively write about this specific situation.
Sentimental in itself, “Not Worth My Time” graces the listeners’ ears. This track tells the perspective of someone in the midst of realizing that a certain individual is not worth their time and energy because of the nonexistent reciprocation of care. However, there’s no bad blood behind any of it, as the uplifting, pure tune, as well as the following lines suggest: “I hope that you’re okay, ‘cause I’m moving on”.
Once again, Kiran’s vocals show such power to emphasize the song’s message, and it really does shine amidst the piano and strings surrounding it. The outro includes multiple layers of harmonies, ending on a great note before the next song.
“I Believe in Our Love” builds up to vocal belting once more, the instrumental arrangements coming together gracefully. This song’s about actions and interactions not defining the entirety of a connection, but nevertheless, the feeling of love prevails between two individuals. The dynamics are well controlled, giving every moment between each line their own unique moment.
Lastly, the title track “Memories from the Backseat” starts with audio chatter, and then diving right into reminiscence, really backing up why this song and the EP itself is named as such. It speaks about holding memories close in a bittersweet way, describing each one in detail: the laughter, voice; the nicheness of it all is endearing and personal.
Overall, this EP is filled with so much passion, and each track is moving in its own way. It makes you feel one with the artist and the feeling within the melodies; it’s definitely worth your while.
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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.
