Miss Elm’s sophomore EP release Idle Away is a fresh taste of their signature addictive pop.
With a mix of quirk, jazz, and all things in between it features a sweet collection of breezy acoustics, energetic beats and flowing instrumentals.
“Growing Pains” which immediately jives into the EP features lush vocals alongside jazzy interludes. The flawless harmonies of the vocalist are complimented by velvety yet cheeky piano chords, with soft drums adding a touch of quirkiness that makes you want to bob your head to the beat.
Following on is the childish ‘da-da-da’ of “Space”, where skipping fingers of the piano favour the smooth young vocals, as cute as the lyrics “so cosy here in outer space”.
“Baby Song” carries on the cute aspect of the EP, with a pitter-patter opener of triangles and xylophones. The high notes of the harmonic instruments are evened out by deeper vocals, which then perform a switch in the chorus with higher pitched melodies and the introduction of drum beats, giving the track a slightly less lullaby feel.
The highlight of this track is the use of a toy piano which perfectly matches the theme of the lyrics.
“Adelaide” finishes the EP off on a softer, more subtle note. The calming strum of acoustic guitars settles down the record and is calming and quiet.
Much like resting your child to sleep after they have become worked up before bed, the final song hushes the listener into an easy comfortable mood, with bird-like high vocals accompanying gorgeous flutes.
Idle Away is a gorgeous rendition of the good old days of adolescence where the world seems lmitless and the simple things in life like toy pianos are all that matters.
