Vinlisa – ‘until then’ [Album Review]

Los Angeles-based multi-faceted Cambodian-American singer/songwriter Vinlisa unveils her new EP, Until Then. The 5-track body of work is a solid follow-up to her 2023 EP, Excuse Me, which brought her to the limelight, and now she returns with yet another project that explores love in statis and the never-ending cycle of pain and joy that comes with the territory.

The lead track, “on the way,” sets the tone for the project with hypnotic drum grooves and layered harmonies that reflect the anticipation and quiet ache of waiting on an emotionally unavailable partner.  Vinlisa adds, “It’s about the promises people make and the silence that follows when they don’t show up, not just physically, but emotionally.” Her aim was to capture the empty space, deafening silence, but also the strength that comes with moving through it.” The track is built on a downtempo drum groove, atmospheric synth arrangement and moody chords that serve as the right canvas for Vinlisa’s aural escapade with an old flame. She doesn’t hold back her feelings as she desires to feel their warm embrace. She does acknowledge that it might be a bad idea, but lines like “I don’t wanna be myself/ Teach me how to have some fun/ Ain’t nothing left to say/ You know I’m on the way” underscore her determination to see this through. The overall production of the song is a reflection of the modern trap-influenced sounds reminiscent of early Bryson Tiller but with a feminine twist.

“convo” is a sexy exploration into the connection between the physical and emotionally stimulating parts in a relationship. Once again, the production sets the tone with its slick atmospheric textures, laidback groove and overall seductive vibe, bolstered by Vinlisa’s mesmerizing vocals. Here, she takes listeners behind the scenes into the most intimate sector that redefines feminine empowerment with a blast of classy sexiness. The next track, “focused,” talks about the tug and pull motion in a shaky relationship where one party is being flaky. Armed with her commanding vocals and in-your-face songwriting style, Vinlisa confronts the situation with all her might, addressing the issues and while looking for a solid answer, finds something else that prompts her to make a tough decision.

The project continues on a trajectory to clarity with the last two tracks, “out the blue” and “until then.” The former is a mellow reflective ballad that sees Vinlisa threading the path of closure to seal an open-ended situation. Far from pleading or losing herself in the whirlwinds of love, she is candid and honest with her wants and asks her potential lover for closure or, better yet, a chance to build something if possible. Not the one to rush, she sings “I’ve been here before/Think it was familiar/do it all alobe/We could both go further” as she looks at the possible future through a hopeful lens. The final track brings the project in full circle and brings all the experience, the emotional rollercoaster, pain and joy together. Vinlisa delivers a heartfelt performance brimming with alluring melodic runs and hopeful lyrics that see the singer in high spirits as she looks forward to her next love. She doesn’t sound regretful about the past but rather shows that she has learned a lot and definitely not deterred from putting her heart in the forefront once again for the right person.

Overall, until then, strikes a perfect balance between self reflection and raw vulnerability.

Stream on all DSPs here.

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