Fourteen years. That’s how long we’ve waited for Emma Waters’ (Ewah’s) solo return, and man, was it worth the wait! “Souvenir,” her first solo album since 2010, was released on December 3, 2024, under her independent label, Gaga Music, and is a musical soup of stuff like self-doubt, navigating the minefield of love, or just feeling the weight of time passing. Ewah, known for her work with Ewah & The Vision of Paradise, has let out an album that manages to be intimate yet expansive, giving us a glimpse into Ewah’s journey while also touching on stuff we can all relate to. It proves her growth, not just as a musician, but as a person too.
Let’s kick things off with “Walking On Water,” the opening track from Souvenir. You’re pulled into Ewah’s world with its nursery rhyme vibe, complete with tinkly keys and looping melodies. She’s laying it all out there, singing about anxiety and trying to find herself — self-doubt. It’s like she’s teetering on the edge. But as the song builds up, you can feel her strength coming through. It’s a solid start to an album that’s all about her journey from feeling unsure to totally owning it.
Next up, “Running Away” brings a more anthem-like feel to the table. The drums are thundering, and there’s this guitar riff that’ll make rock fans perk up their ears. Ewah’s voice floats over all of this, creating this eerie vibe that reminds you of Springsteen’s knack for storytelling. The way it ends is wild – the song wraps up with a mix of sounds that’ll leave you hanging, perfectly capturing the uncertainty of figuring yourself out.
The lead single “Touch the Light” is a real standout that shows off Ewah’s killer vocals and deep lyrics. It’s got this driving, cinematic sound that sparkles like the night sky over Tasmania. It’s an anthem about pushing through tough times that’ll lift you up and maybe even get you a bit emotional. Ewah’s channelling some serious rock icon vibes here, think Kim Gordon or Sharon Van Etten. She delivers a performance that’s extremely powerful. The lyrics are all about kicking self-doubt to the curb and embracing who you really are – it’s something that’ll speak to anyone who’s ever felt a bit lost.
As you dig deeper into the album, Ewah keeps weaving her personal story through tracks like “Mountain Song” and “Halfway.” “Mountain Song” has this nostalgic feel that’ll make you think of simpler times. The harmonies are sweet, and the music just fits like a glove. Then “Halfway” comes in and, whoa, it’s like stepping into a dream. The strings are all swirly, and Ewah’s voice goes all Dusty Springfield on us. It’s cool how she mixes old-school songwriting with a modern twist. You can tell she’s not just copying anyone else – this is pure Ewah, through and through.
“Under Fog and Snow” takes a sharp dark left turn, giving us some serious Velvet Underground vibes with its gritty, barbed-wire pop sound. The pounding drums and retro feel pump up the intensity, while Ewah’s killer vocals steal the show. It’s good to see her flex her musical muscles and switch gears so effortlessly.
The album’s penultimate track, “Let Love In,” slows things down a bit for some introspection. Ewah’s lyrics touch on embracing the good stuff in life, both literally and figuratively. The synths add a nice touch of mystery that really amps up the emotions. It’s a beautiful moment that ties in nicely with the whole healing and redemption thing the album’s got going on.
To wrap things up, “Waking Up Is Easy” is a knockout finale. Ewah’s voice flies high as she belts out lyrics about love’s power to change us. The dreamy delivery and heartfelt words create this awesome sense of release. It’s the kind of song that leaves you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside, with a spark of hope for what’s to come. Talk about ending on a high note!
Co-produced by Ewah and the talented Jethro Pickett who lends his talents on organ, piano, and lapsteel, Souvenir is a masterclass. The album has this cool mix of live drums and electro beats that’ll keep you guessing. And let’s not forget the guest spots from Sorin Vanzino and Stuart Hollingsworth – these dudes add some extra flavour to an already tasty musical stew.
But Souvenir isn’t just about the music – it’s about life, love, and learning to accept yourself. Ewah’s voice is smooth as silk, and her velvet vocals and shimmering melodies, paired with hard-hitting lyrics, make this album a must-listen for anyone who’s ever felt lost and found their way back. It’s a solid comeback that proves Ewah’s still got it when it comes to rocking our socks off.