Leila Addams Unravels Herself In New EP "Bones"

Delving into a rock, metal, and steampunk sound, Leila Addams shares an imaginative, fantasy-esque take on human experience. From the production, arrangement, and delivery, you could immediately tell that this is one heck of an ambitious EP. The emotions are ever-so present, presented in a creative way.

Like gears starting, “Into the Darkness” has a certain gloom and depth in it, with how the guitar sounds and the subtle hint of steampunk energy. It narrates what it’s like being in the dark, or among your demons. The bridge is intense, with the feeling of deception or betrayal evident. What’s striking about this track is it successfully raises expectations and anticipation for the upcoming songs.

“Web of Lies”, deemed as a favorite among Addam’s fanbase, comes from the perspective of someone fully aware of how they are being treated, speaking on it with disdain as well as helplessness. The introductory riff has a catchy hook and rhythm to it, the drums set the intensity of everything, and the lines “I fall apart sometimes / I lose control sometimes / Can’t seem to cope sometimes / Can’t regulate my life” is not only relatable in all aspects, but also presents a sense of vulnerability coming from the artist.

Consisting of a more chorale-esque start, intertwined with rock and metal elements, creating a dark and sinister aura, “Safe & Sound” goes on about the implication of someone finally coming to a consensus that someone or something is no good for them, despite of how much they were devoted to them in the past. There’s a certain charm within the vocals, as listeners should already be getting accustomed to it, as well as connecting dots to each song. The crunch and grit of the guitar is addicting, almost heavenly when entangled with the strings.

It’s amazing how with only a few words put together, such as how the bridge is structured in the previous song, displays such raw emotion and imagery. That fact is no different from “Happy Ever After”, a wicked story in a situation that’s designated for failure.

The song is filled with well-put and heart-churning lines, such as “Destroyed our fortress as if it never mattered / In this love story, there’s nothing left to shatter” and “I’m not your princess, I’m a queen”, summing up the devastating revelation into something evolutionary and empowering.

All that’s left is the title track, “Bones”, which serves as a wrap up for every moment and emotion felt by the artist over the course of these songs, told in a metaphorical way of being laid down to rest, gazing down at her bones from the exhaustion. If there’s one thing this EP should be known for, it should be the writing, the concept, the poetic nature of how the experience is told.

Overall, if you’re looking for something new, yet similar to the rock tunes or emo goodness you grew up listening to, Leila Addams’ EP is definitely worth listening to. You get the mix of raw feelings, amazing songwriting, experimental tunes, and to top it all, a great time.