Joy Crookes' latest EP is just as stunning as her last

Album cover artwork for Joy Crookes 2019 EP - Reminiscence

I first heard Joy Crookes when she released her single 'Don’t let me down' late last year, and I was delighted when I found the EP she had also released in 2018 called 'Influence'. Her first EP definitely demands attention with its Lana Del Rey-esque beats and recurring theme of love and heartbreak. Sinatra is a smoky, melancholic track that perfectly introduces Joy’s unique sound and sets the tone for the rest of the EP.

Bad Feeling stands out on this EP with its more upbeat and soulful rhythm, with other tracks such as 'Mother May I Sleep With Danger?’ featuring a very similar sound to that of the late Amy Winehouse. Being from London herself, Joy definitely channels the distinctive neo-soul sound with indication that she’s not afraid to throw in a few bars of casual rap too.

Her second EP, 'Reminiscence', compliments her blossoming discography, with 'Don’t Let Me Down' being the track to steal the show. It’s slow, well thought-out, and beautifully sung, without too much going on. Sometimes it’s the more stripped back songs that really do the most, and here, her voice takes centre stage, with the plucking of guitar strings and intermittent trumpets being the only other noise to compliment her breezy vocals.

'For a Minute' featuring KarimThaPeasant is a charming ode to her south-east London way of life and feature’s a down-tempo verse by her fellow London artist. 'Two Night’s' is similar in it’s nostalgic sound and topic of lyrics, and Joy maintains her tough-girl exterior with her track 'Man’s World' which carries a strong message of independence and equality. This is echoed in the sample featured at the end of the track where we hear a dialogue between a man and a woman, with the woman laughing and saying "A man comes into my life, and I have to compromise? Stupid!". We hear you Joy, as loud and clear as we did on the 2018 track 'Power', which dealt with strong themes of feminism and equality.

Of course, this EP has left us hungry for more music by Joy, and we can only hope that she has some exciting plans for the future.

Listen to Joy’s new EP, Reminiscence here on Spotify.