Joy Morales shares new EP ‘Blooming’

Framing the turbulence of youth and the daunting uncertainties of adulthood, Joy Morales is a talented singer-songwriter who filters her meaningful reflections about life into a sound that flickers between dream pop, indie folk and alternative electronic stylings. First unveiling her sound in 2020 with her single “Home,” followed by her sophomore outing “Selfish,” her debut album, Neuma’s Cry, arrived later that year to provide the perfect run through of her unique sonic vision.

Over the years, Joy Morales has played alongside a host of acclaimed musicians, including Amber Mark, KAROL G, Hozier and Emily King. These experiences playing live behind the keyboard provided her with a deep well of inspiration, ultimately shaping her own unique sound which draws from psychedelic and emotional influences like Björk, Alex G and her contemporaries such as L’Rain.

Now, after a brief hiatus, Joy has returned with her latest EP titled Blooming, a profoundly personal project that reflects the journey of life set against the chaos of a global pandemic. Spanning a timeline from the early days of Covid to her current life as a 30-year-old artist, Blooming distils the transition of her artistic identity. Ultimately, the EP is a reflection on change; physical, mental and emotional, and the way life often forces these shifts to occur simultaneously.

Recurring themes of decision paralysis, shifting priorities and the inevitability of growing older are stitched throughout the EP’s tracks captured with a quietly loud vulnerability and poignant lyricism. Starting the release with the hazy vocal sample on “…okay. Let’s Go.” as airy sonic textures swell and drift through a dreamy atmosphere, the minimalist and avant-garde instrumental intro piece sets up the release and draws the listener in.

On “Habits,” Joy links with Melissa McMillan to craft a delicate indie pop jam cut with subtle R&B vibes and wrapped in an inviting arrangement of gently pulsing energy and fluttering instrumentation. Capped by an elegant vocal duet and driven by a smooth lilting flow, it’s a laid back folk-tinged outing that presents the artist’s memorable melodic writing in a creative soundscape full of twists and turns.

“Next Destination” follows with Joy’s graceful vocal leads hovering above softly muted piano notes, crafting a stripped back ballad style piece that builds with sweeping textures to offer a soothing moment on the release. Closing the EP with “Baptized,” the lo-fi flourish of bright guitar notes is met by Joy’s hushed vocals to create an immersive slice of progressive folk pop music brimming with melodic charm and silky ebb and flow, bringing her superb new release to a satisfying conclusion. Throughout the EP, Joy Morales filters moments of profound change in her own life into relatable musical moments, resulting in an artistic work that’s at once engaging, thoughtful and thoroughly original.

Listen to Blooming below