frans asthma has released their brand new EP, extras; a small offering of tracks that were just “lying around” per the artist’s words. Containing absolutely gorgeous songs, the EP is a testament to not only their songwriting skills, but their ability to conjure up multides of feelings by a simple guitar strum.
‘hurt you’ sounds like the end of summer, like the last evening spent on the beach, watching the sun fall behind the ocean, a bittersweet feeling of pleasant memories and trepidation for the future. Vocal melodies are softly woven around simple but gorgeous guitar and drum arrangements – a sound that frans asthma has so perfectly cultivated, and one that is difficult to pull off. ‘wait’ is a glorious showcase of frans asthma’s voice. It is mournful, yet hopeful; it’s brevity allowing the song to hang off every syllable, sounding utterly effortless. The song sounds like the lost Duster and Beach House collaboration, a track that is as glacial as it is dreamy – an exquisite combination. Final track, ‘eyes’ swings you towards the EP’s climax; a lulling lullaby that again, deftly displays the artist’s knack for crafting an emotionally vibrant song, contained within just a few minutes.
It is remarkable to learn that frans asthma had the songs on, extras just laying around. For many artists, these three songs would be the pinnacle of their output, and yet here they are merely b-sides. It is indicative of just how strong an artist frans asthma really is. The songs here are as wistful as they are sombre, shining a light on a reliably brilliant voice in lo-fi. frans asthma is a one of a kind artist, and it is always exciting to see what they do next.
Written by Callum Foulds
