EP Review: Just My Nature by Isabel Dumaa
Words by Angelina Singer
This debut EP release from Isabel Dumaa is a must-listen for anyone looking to process life as they know it while dreaming about what the future holds. With all the bright pop goodness of Carly Rae Jepsen mixed with a dash of Olivia Rodrigo-branded angst, there’s truly something for everyone on Just My Nature. When I first listened to it, her thoughtful lyrics enveloped me in a warm hug. While Dumaa has had previous success with other songs, this is her first endeavor into publishing longer-form releases – and it’s already a gorgeous pop gem. Without further ado, let’s dive into this coming-of-age sonic adventure that’s destined for acclaim.
The EP opens with the energetic anthem “C’est La Vie” all about the acceptance of life in all its imperfect forms. Gentle palm-muted guitars waft over and underneath insightful lyrics like “I give my best but theirs is better so I hold my breath and call it pleasure / I take a step and go back three”. It’s an incredible track that makes you want to dance around and journal about your feelings all at the same time. In my opinion, it’s definitely a great song to blast at full volume while driving around alone with your thoughts. This is only the first song, but it’s already a stand-out tune for me – the rest of the EP is going to have a tough act to follow.
The second song on the EP “Quarter Life Crisis” hits right where it hurts – whether you’re somewhere in your 20s or beyond, this one will resonate with you. As you wade through the human experience and grow into the newest version of yourself, this song will offer you a cozy hug and the motivation to get up and keep moving. I love the angsty-yet-happy vocals and the way Dumaa infuses so much of herself into the lyrics while still writing material that is so widely relatable to her not-so-young-anymore audience. It’s upbeat and plucky, despite the lyrics being a bit dramatic: “losing my grip I can’t let go / so I say yes when I mean no / foot on the gas I lost control” sums up this season of life perfectly.
From here, the EP takes a dynamic turn into a couple more chilled-out songs, which still feature some big feelings. Both “Price of Getting Older” and “Different” approach the darker side of aging – the kind that’s not glamorous and a lot more about crying into your pillow.
“Price of Getting Older” might be the saddest song on the track, filled with regret and wondering if every day was lived to the fullest or not. It’s a melancholy letter to her childhood self, wishing she took in the magic of her younger self while she could. It’s a wistful sort of magic, inspiring a greater emphasis on staying present no matter what your age is: “I ain’t as young as I was but I’m still restless / if this is growing up, it’s not what I expected / I’m caught in between who I was and who I thought I’d be”. If those lyrics don’t make you pause and think about your life so far, I’m not sure what will.
I love the way “Different” addresses the passage of time, in particular: “I look through the rearview at the people we once knew / we were so sure of ourselves” is a beautifully poetic, introspective moment about wondering about how the past versions of yourself and others would interact if given the chance. Sonically, it’s got some 80s synth-inspired moments that provide an effective sense of tension against the vocals in the mix.
The end of the EP arrives all too soon, with three final tracks: “Enough for You”, “Everything at Once”, and “The End”.
“Enough for You” is a call-out for a pathetic love interest that clearly took the songstress for granted. It’s a relaxed piano ballad with some light percussive elements thrown in that feels airy and light, despite the heavy emotional content. That is, until it builds and grows into the string section and gorgeous vocal harmonies in the bridge section. For anyone who’s had their heart broken, this song hits all the right notes. It’s best paired with Taylor Swift’s deep-cut “Right Where You Left Me” for an autumnal sad-girl cry fest that will heal any wound.
“Everything at Once” changes the tone a little, moving into a more hopeful energy characterized by bouncy acoustic guitar and of course, more honest lyrics: “I’m not good at boundaries / I’m not good at conflict / I tend to avoid until I think you’ve forgotten”. It’s a raw look at the inside of an anxious mind finding their way in the world. This is also the song that supplied the EP’s title Just My Nature – and it’s all about feeling everything at once when you don’t want to feel anything at all. It’s also got the strongest rock feel of the EP – which is surprising, given its slower start. There are few things I love more in a song than dynamics that keep you guessing, but simultaneously is so well-calculated and just makes perfect sense. This song hits all those points, plus more. The abrupt ending beautifully illustrates that anxious feeling in a way that listeners can relate to.
Finally, “The End” is a calmer lullaby, offering listeners a place to settle down after an incredible sonic journey. “They say that blood is thicker than water / I meant what I said no matter how far you wander / it’s us until the end” is a beautiful reference to her family ties and remembering where you came from. While it’s the end of the EP, I firmly believe this incredible collection of songs is only the beginning for Isabel Dumaa. Keep an eye on this talented artist, because pretty soon she’s going to look back and be thrilled with how her life turned out.
Listen to Isabel Dumaa’s Debut EP Just My Nature and her other music on Spotify here and follow her on social media to keep up with what she releases next!