STARS: 4/5
Swedish pop artist LÉON’s star continues to rise with the Oct. 6 release of her third EP “Surround Me,” a perfect display of the songstress’ commanding vocals, varied musical influences and emotionally raw lyrics.
LÉON, born Lotta Lindgren, shot into mainstream consciousness in 2015 when her single “Tired of Talking” exploded on Soundcloud. Soon after, the now 24-year-old signed a record deal with Sony’s Columbia Records and released her first EP “Treasure.”
Her first extended play release explored a more traditionally pop angle of LÉON’s persona. Even amidst the pop synths and drum machines, LÉON’s vocals were fresh and defined. The singer-songwriter takes a more varied approach in her third outing, delving into the soul, gospel, and ’60s and ’80s rock influences the singer has said defined her childhood.
The crossover influences on “Surround Me” are more compelling than her earlier releases and put LÉON’s rich, commanding voice on full display. Her emotional depth and confident delivery extend well beyond her 24 years, and it’s clear LÉON is always in control of the song.
The release also highlights the singer-songwriter’s resonant lyrical compositions and intriguing voice, which falls somewhere between a cross of Amy Winehouse, Stevie Nicks and Adele. The comparisons are fitting, as LÉON regularly cites Nicks and Winehouse as key inspirations in interviews.
Lead track “No Goodbyes” features vibrant drums in the chorus and great emotional control. “No Goodbyes” opens with steady, pared down vocals in the verses and grows into a more full-bodied delivery in the chorus. The track is possibly the most contained of the four-track release, but sets the stage well for the more exploratory EP.
Following “No Goodbyes” is “I Believe in Us,” a soulful and lush piano ballad featuring the release’s most complex instrumental accompaniments. LÉON’s rich vocals are punctuated by well-woven piano melodies, steady drum beats and subtle strings, building into a chorus accompanied by ensemble background vocals.
Despite the commitment and hope explored in the lyrics, “I Believe in Us” carries the melancholy and heartbreak-enthused tone common of LÉON’s offerings.
Nostalgia-tinged “Body” drips with Winehouse and Fleetwood Mac influences, evident in the sultry smoke of LÉON’s vocals and the upbeat thrum of the bassline and percussion. The song captures a sexy sway in the delivery, building on the passion and physical attraction romantic dalliances are built on.
The Swedish singer explores a short-lived romance in the lyrics, crooning “We would sink into a purple sky/Lost in love and lost in endless nights” before questioning “If I see you, will it feel the same?/Or will you miss me? Or was it a game?”
Title track and EP closer “Surround Me” is a delight. There’s a sense of anticipation from the moment the first percussion kick lands, and LÉON’s vocals burst forth in the chorus with joyous command. The song’s pop twist on gospel-soul takes centerstage in the chorus, heightened by the ensemble background vocals.
The song is an uplifting surprise and a perfect foil to LÉON’s more somber explorations of heartache. “Surround Me” embraces feelings of freedom, surrendering to attraction and the excitement of a burgeoning relationship.
“Surround Me” highlights the Swedish performer’s stylistic range and adept vocal abilities while building excitement for her forthcoming album, which is rumored to be released later this year. Album or no, it’s clear LÉON is one to watch.
Listen to “Surround Me” below.
