Review
Olivia Dean's "What Am I Gonna Do On Sundays?" arrives as a beautifully compact four-track EP that captures the raw essence of emotional transition with remarkable sophistication. Released in December 2020, this collection reveals Dean as an artist unafraid to mine the depths of heartbreak and personal reflection, weaving together soulful melodies with gentle instrumentation that feels both intimate and expansive. Her voice carries an extraordinary duality – tender enough to convey vulnerability yet strong enough to hold the weight of complex emotions, making each track feel like a private conversation with a trusted friend.
The EP's emotional arc unfolds with deliberate precision, beginning with the title track's reflective nostalgia and moving through "The Hardest Part" and "Echo," where Dean examines the intricate dynamics of relationships and personal struggles with unflinching honesty. "Out" serves as the collection's contemplative conclusion, exploring themes of departure while maintaining that distinctive introspective quality that defines the entire work. What emerges is a cohesive exploration of love's aftermath – not dwelling in despair, but rather finding meaning in the spaces between connection and separation, creating something that speaks directly to anyone navigating the complex terrain of human emotion. - Ellis