Eva Lazarus delights with her sophomore album 'Brandy Kisses'

Released via Melonskin Records the sweet and intoxicating Brandy Kisses draws on sensuous sounds and a variety of music genres that are held closely to Eve’s chest that are purely her. The project is a cohesive, conceptual and dynamic body of work. The soul singer flickers from empowering messages of believing in your own self-worth to emotive pleas of affection and displays her fierce attitude.

Introducing the 16-part project with ‘Define My Love’ I feel that this is a theme that runs throughout the project as a whole because Eve’s perspective of love and its many forms shift.

In ‘Empty Pockets’ Eva comes to the realisation that her love interest is draining up her cup or better yet emptying her pockets leaving her with nothing in return. It’s the signal of an unhealthy relationship that never gives but takes likening it to “poison in the water” her vocals are enthralling and compliment the electric guitar undercurrent that sways.

‘Mixed feeling’ has Eva caught in two minds as she weighs up the benefits and negatives of falling in love, lamenting the stress it causes. Reminiscent of an old blues singer she emits a chilled vibe accompanied by a jazz saxophone as she traces the steps of meeting her love but ultimately finds comfort in herself.

Eva charts the path of a romantic rendezvous in the classic R&B track ‘I’m On My Way’ it's deeply affectionate and heart-warming showing a softer side to the artist. She also shows off her vocal range in pop/R&B fusion ‘Brandy Kisses’ named after her album.

There is a renegotiation with the type of love we expect to hear from Eva with ‘I Prayed For You’ a soulful rendering that is dedicated to her newborn son. The Bristol-born singer's vocals combined with a voice memo of her son capture the tender and powerful love that comes with being a mother.

The refreshing sound of rain and minor chord piano on the poetic ‘On God’ as Eva Lazarus flows on the beat transitioning from rap to singing and vice versa in a Lauryn Hill style. You can also hear the 90s Hip Hop sample.

The seductive and groovy ‘Lioness’ is enthralling as Eva stalks her prey on the beat made up of a percussion and bass guitar.

‘If You Ever Leave Your Girl’ has a funky electronic feel to it combined with airy vocals that are Erykah Badu-Esque adopting the neo-soul sound. As she casually croons to her love interest “if you leave your shorty swing my way.”

Continuing with the 90s mood ‘Secrets’ is a smooth R&B joint where Eva confesses that she’s heard about all about her potential love interest and his current relationship. She sings “ I know whatcha do yeah I saw you coming ….. heard it all along the grapevine” as she rejects his advances.

Maintaining her honesty and integrity in ‘Lessons’ Eva draws on her pain and suffering to create art. She charges it all to the journey whilst acknowledging that her past mistakes brought her here now. This was the third single released in anticipation of the album being released.

The feel-good ‘How Am I Looking’ celebrates Eva’s blackness as well as her femineity. The singer sings about self-care and indulgence in the ultimate anthem whilst showcasing pride in her hair.

Promoting the soft life Eva also urges us to slow down and enjoy life on ‘Royalty’ as she enchants listeners with her sweet voice.

Dwindling to the last two tracks of the project Eva sings on top of a horn and bass guitar in ‘Flashing Lights’ styling on the beat with infectious confidence as she nods to the rapid attention, she has received due to success and her new found comfortability in her own skin.

Finishing with a dramatic flair ‘The Party Is Over’ possesses a cinematic quality and sounds like a song you’d find at the end of the film when the credits roll. We hear Eva’s pure R&B vocals as she unflinchingly lists her flaws and imperfections with a familiar introspectiveness that has been present throughout.

Eva Lazarus’ sophomore album definitely closes the distance between herself and her fans allowing us a real look at who she really is. Whilst at the same time marks a new chapter for the artist.

Eva is scheduled to start touring on September 30th.