‘Sometimes We Have To Look Inward’: a review of the debut EP from neo-soul, folk artist Sletta.
It’s a Friday in February, the sun is shining, spring is on its way, and Sletta has just dropped her debut EP. With the release infusing the sound of nature within its tracks, there was no better time to listen.
After relocating to London in 2015 to study music, the Norwegian-born artist found herself captivated by the city's dynamic music scene, eager to apply inspiration from her homeland to the music she was producing. Her debut EP, which dropped on Friday 23rd February, focuses on personal growth and change, blending sounds of neo-soul, nu-jazz, folk, and contemporary jazz. Expressing honesty and vulnerability in 5 songs may prove difficult for some artists to achieve, but with Sletta’s songwriting ability and sincere, ethereal voice, these emotions are captured incredibly. A fresh change from the existing 2024 releases, Sletta arrives as a stand-out breakthrough artist within the UK music scene.
The EP's 50-second-long introduction sets the tone beautifully for the remainder of the listen. Symbolising realisation, the song consists of the sound of birds, calming vocals, and excellent musicianship. The sounds that kick off this listen, reminiscent of artists like Cleo Sol, Hiatus Kaiyote, and Nubiyan Twist, make one immediately reflect, preparing to sit back and enjoy what’s to come from Sletta’s storytelling.
‘Come Through’, the first capture of nu-jazz we hear in the EP, showcases Sletta’s skill to transport any instrumentals she sings over, brightening the listen through her vocal talent. Sound accompanying the lyrics, the song focuses on looking for happiness in the small things in life, breaking away from unhelpful patterns and growing as a person. Sletta loses herself in her music, letting herself go and using songwriting to express herself and her identity.
She shares: “I must admit, openly expressing my emotions isn't always my strong suit. They tend to remain within me. However, music provides comfort and a release for these emotions. With time, I've become better at recognising and redirecting unhelpful thought patterns. Writing music is not only a personal outlet but also a source of comfort and support for listeners, and so the EP aims to inspire and uplift, particularly during difficult times.”
The following track, single ‘Good Signs’ (a personal favourite), picks up the pace and brings a soulful chorus with infectious rhythm. Making you surrender to the moment, it’s the kind of track you’d play on a summer evening with friends, embracing the sheer joy of life.
Slowing down the tempo with the next song, ‘Do What You Want’, offers a chance for listeners to fully connect with the EP and its meaning, whilst Sletta continues to deliver with her optimistic yet honest lyricism. It’s the most relatable track of the EP, with lyrics like “dive into a cup of tea and, set your emotions free” and an enchanting outro that reflects the peacefulness that the track conveys.
Ending the EP on the hopeful, soothing, piano ballad, ‘Somewhere’ was the perfect decision. The project's remarkable ability to create introspection is undeniable and forms a connection that I’ll continue to search for within new music. It is rare to find such rawness in a debut release, especially with the pressures of finding an audience in today's music industry. However, with only 17 minutes, Sletta has expressed her authenticity as an artist, standing out through pure passion and dedication to her sound and influences.
