2 Oct 2023
UsernamePassword

Remember Me? | Join | Recover
Click here to sign in via social networking

Roonie - EP Review: Loveless

25 Nov 2022 // A review by Danica Bryant

After releasing a series of exciting singles throughout the year, Christchurch indie-pop artist Roonie drops her first ever EP Loveless. Created in collaboration with producer Will Henderson, it’s a bright, self-assured project, exploring how love impacts Roonie’s self-perception.

EP opener Alibi throws listeners right into the thick of things, opening with electronic instrumentals, sharp clicking percussion and Roonie’s smooth, simple voice. The upbeat production glitters under every line. But the song’s greatest feature is its chorus, delivered sweetly, but with an undertone of malice that complicates Roonie’s emotions. Later track Something ‘Bout You shows off her melodic abilities with a honeyed hook that sticks in the listener’s head, moving through difficult note changes effortlessly and effectively.

The deceptively named title track Loveless is in fact an ode to finding love again after a tough period alone. Its chorus is a dreamy, simplistic melody, carried by booming dancefloor beats. Shimmering basslines and skittering rhythms fill out the song. Catchy and effective, it’s an EP highlight, but much like Something ‘Bout You, it could use some extra runtime to expand into an even more bombastic finale.

Closing out the collection is The Way It Should Be, a comparatively stripped-back number. It pairs highly visual lyrics with a delicate, airy pop instrumental, drawing focus to Roonie’s expressive vocals as she mourns a past love who’s moving on. Capturing an earnest feeling many people can relate to, it’s the most emotionally vulnerable moment on Loveless. The contrast to the other three songs is perhaps a little too stark, but it’s where Roonie’s cohesive, clear songwriting undeniably shines the brightest.

Confident even in her most complex state, Roonie’s Loveless EP is a strong pop debut with plenty of commercial appeal. If the gorgeous pink cover art doesn’t have you sold, it’ll only take a moment of listening to the music for Roonie to steal your heart.

Rating: ( 4 / 5 )
 

About Roonie

New Pop artist Roonie, previously known as Michaela Pointon, is making lead-way with her electrifying writing about loneliness and love. She moved to Auckland in 2019 where she is studying, writing new songs and building a name for herself in the music scene. While experiencing this huge year of growth in her music, Roonie also found herself deeply lost in heartbreak.

Her new single My Heart out out on June 19th 2020 is about self-discovery and learning to grow when you’re lost and alone. This song is electric with colour is strong yet vulnerably honest and self-reflective.


Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Roonie

Releases

Loveless
Year: 2022
Type: EP

Other Reviews By Danica Bryant

ISLA - EP Review: Low
21 Sep 2023 // by Danica Bryant
As the winter smog begins to lift over Aotearoa, Auckland singer-songwriter ISLA releases her ode to seasonal depression, Low. This is an EP of smooth, delicate dream-folk, from an independent artist backed by her "band of sisters" clearly deeply impassioned by the music just as their frontman is.
Read More...
Gig Review: Lunar Intruder @ Moon, Wellington - 12/08/2023
13 Aug 2023 // by Danica Bryant
As always, the line-up at Moon in Newtown, Wellington is out of this world on a Saturday night. Amidst their ‘Good Dogs Go To Heaven’ tour, the aptly titled Lunar Intruder are up from Christchurch, for a show supported by Tarik Rahim and Bleach that has no trouble pulling a buzzing crowd in from the cold.
Read More...
Cloudy - Single Review: On The Edge
27 Jul 2023 // by Danica Bryant
Laidback and soulful, Kiwi-Austrian performer Cloudy's new single On The Edge is a unique singer-songwriter track traversing many a genre. From bedroom pop to indie rock, it's a cohesive, expressive release introducing her hotly awaited sophomore EP.
Read More...
AJSCeleste Music - Album Review: Gold
26 Jul 2023 // by Danica Bryant
AJSCeleste Music may be a totally unique creator in the Aotearoa music scene. An extremely experimental songwriter crafting material from her home studio, her quirky blend of almost spoken-word lyricism and kaleidoscopic sounds fills a very specific niche.
Read More...
Mahoney Harris - Single Review: I Don't Have To Move From Here
10 Jul 2023 // by Danica Bryant
Mahoney Harris' beautiful new folk number I Don't Have To Move From Here is an airy, light track celebrating the worth of knowing your boundaries and personal needs. Working alongside producer Wayne Bell and masterer Oliver Harmer, the Waiheke-based artist has crafted a beautiful follow-up to her previous series of singles.
Read More...
Dani Ela - Single Review: Always Keep Those Days
22 Jun 2023 // by Danica Bryant
Dani Ela's latest single Always Keep Those Days is a delicate moment of melancholia, reminiscing in fond memories over a light bedroom pop track.Hailing from New Plymouth, Ela crafts her music herself, with international aid for audio engineering.
Read More...
Coral Pitcher - Single Review: As I Rise
22 Jun 2023 // by Danica Bryant
Outspoken creative Coral, also known as Coral Pitcher, seeks growth on her striking single As I Rise. Best enjoyed alongside its entrancing music video, the song sees Coral revel in the galaxy and visually become one with the universe.
Read More...
Jenni Smith - Single Review: I Don't Know How Not To
15 Jun 2023 // by Danica Bryant
Recent University of Auckland pop music degree graduate Jenni Smith is here to prove her newfound skill with her single I Don't Know How Not To. It's a dreamy number made effective by the driving feeling that this comes straight from the heart.
Read More...
View All Articles By Danica Bryant

NZ Top 10 Singles

  • PAINT THE TOWN RED
    Doja Cat
  • STRANGERS
    Kenya Grace
  • GREEDY
    Tate McRae
  • SPRINTER
    Dave And Central Cee
  • WATER
    Tyla
  • CRUEL SUMMER
    Taylor Swift
  • BLUE EYED MAORI
    Corrella
  • VAMPIRE
    Olivia Rodrigo
  • SNOOZE
    SZA
  • LOSE CONTROL
    Teddy Swims
View the Full NZ Top 40...
muzic.net.nz Logo
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report a ProblemReport A Problem