It’s been five whole years since we’ve had a new EP from Newcastle-based artist JVLY and luckily; after waiting so patiently, he’s blessed us with a brand-new EP full of deliciously smooth tracks called ‘SUNDER’.
At the end of 2024, JVLY started slowly releasing tracks from ‘SUNDER’, giving us a glimpse at the type of melodies he’s been sewing together. Now, after hearing four incredible singles, it’s clear that this new EP features tracks that don’t just have that signature JVLY groove, but they also have a deep well of emotion to them that elevates the listening experience.
‘SUNDER’ opens with ‘IT’S FINE/SOJU ON THE MOON’, a track that begins with a speedy rewind sample before then sliding into light guitar licks, warm harmonies, and gentle percussion that all float alongside samples that twinkle like sunlight hitting soft waves at sunrise. The track is soft, but when it peaks, the power beneath it explodes into a cathartic soundscape where a strong guitar solo echoes above buzzing atmospherics, deep vocal samples, a rounded beat, and an epic saxophone solo that can only be described as ethereal. There may not be a lot of vocals on ‘IT’S FINE/SOJU ON THE MOON’, but the purifying feeling that washes over you when you hear that melody is just incredible.
From ‘IT’S FINE/SOJU ON THE MOON’ we slide into ‘SOUTH’, a track that opens with a deep bassline, upbeat saxophone medley, and sweet samples that chime over soft atmospherics. Despite the calming vocals, ‘SOUTH’ has a melody that feels both reflective and uplifting at the same time. It has a really nice groove, and you feel compelled to dance along to the chorus, despite the lyrics talking about a relationship that’s “only ever going south”. The juxtaposition on this track is so interesting, and you might not hear it at first but when it hits you, it reminds you of that moment when you know something’s felt off for a while, and you’ve finally figured out what it is – there’s no more wondering and finally, you’ve figured out what the problem is. It’s like a massive sigh of relief and whilst the lyrics talk of a tough situation, the melody almost reminds you that even though things are tough, it’ll work out eventually.
‘DROWNING IN MY ROOM’ is similar to ‘SOUTH’ in that it has a great groove, but it also shares some sombre lyrics. Alongside the warped guitars, fluid bassline, grounded percussion, and cooling tones, JVLY sings about how it sometimes feels like “life is on a loop” and “nothing is changing”. It’s an extremely relatable track because we’ve all had moments where life just feels like a constant churn of sleep, eat, go to work, come home and sleep some more, making you maybe feel more apathetic about life than you’d like to. Of course, not all of us have been able to take that feeling and put it into one of the smoothest R’n’B melodies ever, but that’s just how talented JVLY is.
From here, we dip into ‘LOCUM’, a track that has refreshing piano tones melting alongside steady drums, light vocal harmonies, and warped samples that almost feel like they’re squishing their way through the thick, molasses-like production. While most of the elements on ‘LOCUM’ feel heavy compared to the other tracks, the harmonies and samples cut through and bring hints of light into the darker points. The soft strings tug at the heartstrings and exaggerate this feeling of longing that’s enmeshed in the lyrics. This is probably one of the most emotionally raw tracks on ‘SUNDER’, with the lyrics talking about “wasting your time” whilst the strings soar with the choir and piano-heavy melody. It’s cinematic and raw as hell – it’s probably one of the most vulnerable tracks JVLY has put together and it’s absolutely impeccable.
Now, to round out ‘SUNDER’ we have ‘WALKED THE SUN’ which is really as vibrant as it sounds. With such a heavy feeling on ‘LOCUM’ coming back up to ‘WALKED THE SUN’ feels comforting, as the guitars softly lead you into a series of chimes, twinkles, and soft vocals that also feel incredibly warm. The bassline is more energetic and as the trumpets fill your ears with a bit of a fun tune, the light atmospherics float amongst bird samples chirping in and around the lead vocal track. ‘WALKED THE SUN’ just feels like a sweet walk in the park after going through a dark time and coming out the other side. It’s not what you’d expect to hear from JVLY, but it’s honestly the perfect way to round out the listening experience of ‘SUNDER’.
JVLY has always been able to put together a powerful groove that flows seamlessly through your body, but the way he paired those melodies with such powerful lyrics is something to behold. The juxtaposition between the heart-wrenching and the more upbeat melodies really shows just how intricate his production style is, and how he’s able to allow the smaller details to elevate these already enticing tracks.
‘SUNDER’ is an EP everyone can find something in. If you’re looking for the smooth, soulful production style that JVLY has become known for, you’ll find it on ‘SUNDER’. If you’re looking for a collection of tracks to help you navigate some more challenging moments, you’ll find that here too. JVLY is an incredible artist and ‘SUNDER’ is an EP that doesn’t just showcase what he’s mastered over the years, but it also highlights how he’s growing and brings you along on that journey.