EP Review: Unreleased Demos II by Awfultune
In the ever-evolving landscape of bedroom pop, Awfultune, known offstage as Layla Eden, emerges once again as an authentic standout with her latest musical offering, "Unreleased Demos II."
Following in the footsteps of her acclaimed 2019 release, this largely acoustic seven-track EP extends further into the labyrinth of human emotion, offering a poignant exploration of the ebbs and flows of mental health, her love life, and her voyage of personal growth. While her journey through life and music looks different than most, as she is openly a transgender woman, Eden’s collection of tracks pan to a universal set of emotions, especially for Gen Z.
Over the past five years, Layla has captured the hearts of listeners with her melodic yet confessional songwriting, each composition sang as a diary entry, serving as a bittersweet concoction of relatable truths and undeniable sincerity. With "Unreleased Demos II," Layla pushes the boundaries of her musical spirit, delivering an even more profound and resonant journey through the complexities of life and love.
"Pluto and the Moon," the opening track, envelops listeners in a somber introspection as Layla tenderly recounts her regrets about embarking on a past relationship. Set against the delicate plucking of a ukulele and an intimate voice memo, she candidly reveals the toxicity that tainted the relationship, where her partner failed to appreciate who she truly is/ what she had to say and resisted change. Despite the disillusionment, Layla's lyrical prowess shines through, as she gracefully acknowledges the inevitable demise of the relationship, finding solace in the prospect of rebirth amidst the wreckage (You don’t listen to my songs so you’ll never hear what I have to say/I could play them all night long and we will always stay the same/ and that’s ok/ I kinda like it that way).
Following the narrative of "Pluto and the Moon," tracks like "Exile," "Malware," and "Things" further illuminate the exquisite vulnerability woven into Layla's music. Each composition serves as a unique reflection on Layla's mental health journey, offering profound insights into how it has shaped her relationship with herself and those around her. "Exile," in particular, emerges as a standout favorite, as it delicately navigates the complex interplay between comfort and discomfort in the throes of loneliness and depression—a sentiment that resonates deeply with my own experiences as well as those of our generation. “Late at night is when I feel it the most/ And I know it's bad to rot and decompose until I feel alright inside my head, inside my soul/ I wish it wasn't like this but it's a constant push and pull…”
Meanwhile, "Malware" and “Things” delve even deeper into this theme, elaborating on the personal cost of others' judgment amidst her journey of self-acceptance and transformation. In a world where vulnerability is often viewed as a weakness, Layla's courageous exploration of her innermost thoughts and emotions stands as a testament to her maturity and authenticity—a rarity in a generation often plagued by uncertainty and self-doubt.
This leads up to the closer and lead single off the EP, “Be Ur Dog,” a playful track that plays into the desperation to be loved unconditionally and how that desperation affects our behaviors as a consequence. Tonally, Layla leans into the obsessive nature behind that type of behavior in her vocal delivery and harmonies. It continues as she antagonizes this person by singing as if she's “playing dumb” which adds so much to her character. “I can wait by the door, I can be a good girl/ I can do what you want/ I could be your whole world…/ Come on show me off, let me be your dog.”
I think we all recognize (or at least I hope there is some awareness) that someone who objectifies you by comparing you to any dog is someone you probably shouldn't be spending your time with. We are all living beings and deserve to be treated and respected as such, not like toys. That is what makes this personification so clever. This energy follows into the music video for the track, which depicts Layla waiting patiently (and then slowly becoming impatient) for this person to return.
In just 20 minutes, the candid lyricism and vulnerable sounds on “Unreleased Demos II” not only captivates with its musicality but also hosts an honest platform to reflect on the shared struggles and triumphs of a generation navigating the complexities of modern life. Layla continues to show that her talent doesn't need to rely on labels or flashy production; true artistry transcends trends and superficialities.
