By Claire Kim
The Brooklyn based singer-songwriter and producer Tei Shi wowed listeners in 2013 with her first EP, Saudade. Earlier this month, Tei Shi dropped her second EP, Verde, which has proven her ability to evolve musically and stylistically. Unlike the heavily acapella-based first EP, Verde uses a combination of different genres. Through the various layerings of indie-pop, R&B and even 80’s rock, Tei Shi drops the listener into a strange but relaxing electronic dreamscape. The delicate cooing of Tei Shi’s voice along with the thoughtful intricacies of each individual track makes for an experience like no other. Verde, the short but incredibly addicting EP, leaves the listener begging for more.
The EP begins with the quiet but emotional track, “Can’t Be Sure.” The line, “I can’t be sure of it” is repeated and echoed as the sounds of a heartbeat and dripping water guide each repeated word. The song starts off as dark and edgy, but builds into an emotionally connecting piece as Tei Shi’s high pitched voice and incomprehensible whispers bring the listener into a calming void. “Bassically,” changes the mood drastically with a much more upbeat and almost vengeful vibe. The best part of this song, by far, is Tei Shi’s harmonious wailing. The synthesized notes in the background crack and reform as Tei Shi’s smooth voice rolls over each break in the melody. “See Me,” is deeply embedded in Tei Shi’s indie background. The catchiest song in the EP, “See Me” combines moody and lovesick lyrics with a cascading of echoey melodies. “Go Slow” is fun, poppy and groovy. The lyrics share an invitation to “get closer,” as the electropop base envelopes the song in a light and delicate background. The EP ends with a deep and soulful piece, “Get It.” Tei Shi shares the true scope of her vocal abilities by uncovering a sultry edge to her voice in this heavily R&B-infused track.
Tei Shi illustrates the beauty and vulnerability of love through her lyrics. Her ability to pair these lyrics to melodies and incorporate her signature vocal loops and crackling digital sonics is refreshingly impressive. Tei Shi has truly proven her abilities as a multi-dimensional and deeply relatable artist through her latest EP, Verde.
