It’s written somewhere that songs about agony require violins — I’ll find it later. Earnestly, violins augment the emotional facet of heartbreak pieces, eminently with piano. Just ask Adele, Céline Dion, Coldplay, The Beatles, etc. Sentimental vehemence is the mecca when including these delicate-sounding instruments in melancholy songs.
Miami-based singer-songwriter Alexa Lash achieved this goal with her latest release, “Heartbreak in Movements.” Drenched in powerful piano chords executed by Lash and silky string instruments (violinist Belinda Stohner and cellist Jose Pradas), the record invites the audience to feel every note and lyric.
“Not Fine,” an ingenuous tune with guts, commences the EP. Beautifully supported by a violin, cello, and piano, Lash dives into the self aspect of heartbreak—the point where one acknowledges that they’re not okay.
It’s remarkable how the lyrics address the all-too-familiar approach of veiling despondency from others while encouraging self-truth or transparency with oneself as a step to improving mental health.
“Weak” focuses on evaluating the relationship’s nature, whether love or a toxic situation.
“Is this what love’s supposed to feel like,” Lash repetitively sings throughout the track.
One of the most cutthroat lines in the song has to be, “I rest my head upon your shoulder blade. It cuts me deep but comforts all the same.”
The harmonizing violins at the start of “Miracle” are pretty beguiling. Unlike the previous songs mentioned, where Lash recognizes the toxicity in the relationship and admits the need to be transparent about how the relationship is deteriorating her mental health, “Miracle” is Lash pleading for the toxic relationship to dwell.
The cinematic feel at the beginning of “Let Her Move On” is hypnotic, with the violin, cello, and piano’s dramatic crescendo. “Let Her Move On” is a powerful track, sonically and lyrically, because it’s the let-go point in a relationship. Lash demands freedom from the previous relationship so that she can move on. Lash’s voice gives the track a soft and bright touch, while the other instrumentals give a dark undertone — a perfect independent woman song!
“MIA” is the last track and my favorite. It has a miasmic hook that won’t leave your head after a one-time listen. It’s more on the brighter side and about happily reminiscing on a previous lover. We all do it!
Not only is Alexa Lash a great artist, but she’s also an outstanding and passionate performer. I actually saw her live at a SoFar Sounds show in South Florida before stumbling upon her again in a list of potential emerging artists to review.
I love how “Heartbreak in Movements” touches on the good and bad with relationships and love. It’s why many will connect with Lash’s music.
Go check out her music!
Written by Taylor Berry
