Kohla – Romance

The sugar-rush of new love is documented in Scottish singer-songwriter and producer Kohla’s aptly titled debut, Romance. Through honeyed vocals backed by cinematic neo-soul arrangements, Kohla showcases intimacy, joy and heartbreak in a story woven through seven tracks. Floating in an idyllic reverie, opener One and Only hears her plainly profess: ‘I’m crazy / I’m crazy / I’m crazy for you’. Slower, doting tracks like Golden and Heavenly portray the near romanticised highs of romance itself – the honeymoon period – where on the latter she sings of 'No worries or fears / Just love'.

There’s a fun sense of playfulness and joy present throughout: Lovebites picks up the pace with drum beats contrasting nicely with silky smooth vocals – similarly, Bedroom is a carefree, sexy ode to pleasure. On Sweetest Love, Kohla’s vocals come through with a beautiful intimacy, like a voice note, whispered secrets in your ear. Lyrically, Romance is at times slightly to-the-point, but sonically and narratively, it’s an alluring journey throughout. Closer Beautiful ends with a pop of the love-bubble: 'I’ll let you go, but boy I’m finally free'. A gorgeous ode to wearing your heart on your sleeve, Romance breathes fresh life into love and longing.

Listen to: Golden, Lovebites