Rebecca Sugar is out to prove her solo music debut was not a fluke with her latest EP, Lonely Magic.
Released Friday morning, the Steven Universe creator’s second project feels bigger than her first, both in sound and scope. Not only is the track list longer at seven songs, all around two minutes, but the record also welcomes a wider range of instrumentation compared to the stripped-down approach Spiral Bound provided. The album art also suggests a larger concept, depicting Sugar accompanied by three angels.
With beautiful strings and keys, opener “Ice Water” paints an image in the listener’s head of a frozen pond perfect for skating on. The lyrics describe what it’s like to be enamored with the scenery around you.
As for said scenery, it makes frequent reference to Union Square. This could be interpreted as specifically being the one in New York, where Sugar attended art school, or in San Francisco, as the lyrics also say, “I’m off to California.”
“Figure It All Out Together” is mainly played on piano, which goes on to harmonize with acoustic guitar fingerpicking. It’s the most reminiscent of her previous EP, especially with the lyrics being kept simple and discussing what it will be like when two old friends meet each other again somewhere down the line.
“Hill to Die On” ups the tempo and adds some bass, evoking Ben Folds with her piano playing. Lyrically, it finds Sugar explaining her convictions and trying to convince her partner to support her. Then she busts out the drumset and electric guitar for a good old-fashioned instrumental break that will get you on her side.
“Beautiful Place” employs lighter touches of the same instrumental flourishes as the preceding track, then brings them to a crescendo for a song about a breakup that devastates because neither partner is willing to fight, either against or for the other.
“This is a Love Song” stands out for its rocking composition. Sugar brings out a full band to help her express her regret over being overly devoted to a former partner. Somehow, her voice fits the pop punk energy the combo of soloing guitar, slamming drums, tempered bass and dextrous piano playing brings, making for her best vocal performance yet.
“Praise” provides a sonic respite, bringing things back to basics with grand piano and light amplified guitar dominating the conversation. Sugar lyrically defines a fatal flaw, her need for recognition, and realizes it may be why a previous relationship failed.
Closer “Love the Way It Feels” lets the strings take over, as Sugar gives advice to a new generation of artists over piano and acoustic guitar. By the end, her coming-of-age journey becomes clear enough that her inspirational words feel backed up by musical evidence.
Lonely Magic reaffirms Rebecca Sugar’s knack for crafting great stories and imagery, even when she’s using instruments instead of a sketchpad or animation software. With one of the best EPs of the year, she’s now proven twice over that she could quit her day job and be just a singer-songwriter if she ever wants to.
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