Stanisland Magazine

R&B/soul powerhouse has refreshed the scene through a vulnerable extended play of emotional depth.

Singer-songwriter Mariella drops long-time coming R&B/soul EP today, Deeper Than You, a 4-track canvas of emotional pilgrimage that reflects on past relationships and introspective growth.

Having left school to pursue music, she traversed the music scene to explore the dynamic waters of a harsh industry, staying true to herself. This leads us to the present, where we tangibly experience the fruits of a labour rightfully earned.

In a press releases, the artist says: “…collection of songs are written from that place of emotional vulnerability. Processing the pitfalls of relationships and life in real-time, from the lens of a soft sensitive person, by turning them into meaningful pieces of music. It’s a personal validation that I am a deep thinker & feeler, and that’s ok – I’m not alone.”

What Deeper Than You Sounds Like

For 18 months, the singer-songwriter has poured her heart and soul into the project working with producers Jordan Timms and Max Smith. Mariella shocked many with her independent rise to prominence, amassing 1 million streams with little activity. This speaks to her talent, as she impresses through a dialogue of pure musical fire.

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Starting with a stripped-back introduction on Reach You, it braises a delicate stretch of sound, as she introduces her artistic palette before breaking into De Ja Vu. An equally pleasing narrative of belonging, she demonstrates sonic prowess as an instrumentalist and writer, slowing the tempo down, delegating her voice for another audience segment. There is a tinge of a ’90s vocal influence, showcasing her incredible range.

Stylistically, she can effortlessly switch things up, slamming on and easing off the accelerator, like on Bittersweet, a tale of no regret, keeping listeners engaged in a journey of self-discovery. Passing By lifts us into an uplifting melody pleasing to the ears and is a captivating track with enormous potential; I hope this one gets a single and visual release.

The Verdict

Ultimately, Mariella shows us how to do it, and do it well. There is nothing to smirk about, only that she has crafted a brilliant exhibition in which to gatekeep (but of course we won’t). Deeper Than You tonally shapes perception through a cadence of firming textures, producing a work of thoracic intensity that escalates rhythm and gallant emotion. With undercurrents of indescribable sentiment, there’s nothing more to do than just listen to it; this is the only way one will get it.

How to Hear It

The EP is available to stream on most major platforms, including Apple, Spotify and YouTube Music. You can also purchase it from iTunes.