Miami-based singer-songwriter Ebina Florine unveils her debut EP, Phoenix, following on last year’s triumvirate of singles, “ESC8PE,” “Calibrate,” and “Decoy.”
Talking about the EP, Ebina Florine shares, “Phoenix means resilience. Crashing, burning, and trying over n over again. I picked myself up once again and made beauty from my pain. A Phoenix is a mythical creature that rises from its own ashes. It symbolizes a warrior spirit that resonates with me.”
She goes on to add, “I decided I needed to take the first step and finally rise from my trials and just (make the project). I really wanted to make my impression this time around, and I know it’s only the beginning. Most of all, I want listeners to recognize my authenticity. At this point in my career, it’s all on my sleeve and I’m bold about it.”
Early on, when she was 10 years old, Ebina realized making music was her destiny. Appearing at her school talent shows, she developed the confidence manifest in her performances today.
Encompassing four tracks, Phoenix begins with “When You Call Me,” an electro-pop-flavored tune featuring swirling synths riding crunching percussion. Ebina’s exotic, delicate, yet opulent tones imbue the lyrics with whispery tendrils of color.
“Run and Gun” travels on velvety R&B savor rolling into a galloping rhythm topped by gentle guitars. Hints of jazz flow through the tune, while Ebina’s sensuous voice, vaguely reminiscent of Sade, infuses the lyrics with lush, beguiling timbres.
“Clearer Now Remix” rides syncopated rhythmic pulses as Ebina’s shimmering vocals give the lyrics psychedelic washes of sound. The last track, an extended version of “When You Call Me,” offers EDM-lite pushes of energy, along with twirling, droning synth coloration.
With Phoenix, Ebina Florine blends delicious flavors of R&B with retro textures and nuanced vocals into creamy sonic potions.