Auckland based alternative pop artist Cloudy launches her debut EP Good Grief today, 12 March 2021.

Kiwi-Austrian singer songwriter Claudia Paine has previously released four singles, three of which are featured on Good Grief. The five-track EP features three of these singles as well as two new tracks.

Cloudy has come a long way since her debut single Dear Dunkin, which was released in 2019. This track is a sweet, playful pop song featuring a ukulele, however there are no ukulele's in sight on Good Grief. Instead, Cloudy has established herself as an alternative pop artist with a highly polished sound. Produced by Harry Charles, Good Grief shows off Cloudy's beautiful and unique vocals, reminiscent of Hannah Reid, vocalist for UK indie pop group London Grammar.

The EP kicks off with lead single I’ll Stay. Cloudy’s soothing, atmospheric sounding vocals are accompanied by an acoustic guitar. Leading into a catchy, clean chorus, I’ll Stay is a toe tapping track about always being there for someone. The perfect introduction to Good Grief, I’ll Stay is a real highlight on the EP.

Next up is Unrequited Love, a slower, piano driven track. A song that tugs on the heart strings with honest and heart felt lyrics, this track makes for easy listening with its twinkling instrumentation.

The third track is Self-Help Guide, the most recent single to be released. This track starts off with a promising, driving electric guitar riff. If anything though, this track doesn't quite make it past the build-up of the verses and doesn't seem to pack as much of a punch compared with I'll Stay.

Another highlight is fourth track Addicted To You, the first single originally released in April 2020. This track has a lot of dynamic contrast with differing instrumentation which keeps things interesting. I wonder if this would've been a stronger conclusion to the EP than final track Who Am I. Addicted To You is longer and feels like more of a conclusion to the project for me personally, whereas Who Am I is moodier, more down tempo and almost feels like an abrupt ending to the EP.

While Good Grief has stand-out tracks, some of the slower songs do tend to get a little bit lost in amongst the more upbeat ones. Regardless, the EP as a whole is coherent and shows off Cloudy's potential as an artist. The strong production elevates Cloudy's songwriting and is the perfect accompaniment to her dreamy vocals. It is her voice that will set her apart from other emerging artists in her genre. It's early days for Cloudy, but I'm looking forward to seeing where this project takes her. She is definitely one to watch.

• 1
  Take Hold
• 2
  Coridian
• 3
  Devilskin
• 4
  Skinny Hobos
• 5
  L.A.B.
• 6
  Head Like A Hole
• 7
  Blindspott
• 8
  The Feelers
• 9
  Shihad
• 10
  Katchafire

• 
  Bach Musica NZ @ Auckland Town Hall, Auckland - 14/04/2024
• 
  There's a Tuesday @ Otisfest, San Fran, Wellington - 14/04/2024
• 
  Mudgoose @ Otisfest, San Fran, Wellington - 14/04/2024
• 
  Macho Macho @ Otisfest, San Fran, Wellington - 14/04/2024

• 1
  TOO SWEET
  Hozier
• 2
  BEAUTIFUL THINGS
  Benson Boone
• 3
  LOSE CONTROL
  Teddy Swims
• 4
  LIKE THAT
  Future And Metro Boomin feat. Kendrick Lamar
• 5
  END OF BEGINNING
  Djo
• 6
  I LIKE THE WAY YOU KISS ME
  Artemas
• 7
  WE CAN'T BE FRIENDS (WAIT FOR YOUR LOVE)
  Ariana Grande
• 8
  STICK SEASON
  Noah Kahan
• 9
  TEXAS HOLD 'EM
  Beyonce
• 10
  LEAVEMEALONE
  Fred Again.. And Baby Keem

• Privacy Policy
• Disclaimer
• Copyright Statement

• Contact
• Advertising
• About Us