REVIEW: Ria Sean – Fluid EP

The lamba can be heard on how she delivered certain parts of ‘Stamina,’ ‘Pin Me Down’ and ‘Money Bag.’ Her enunciation is rooted in that art of Afro-pop. Her Trip-Hop side can be heard on ‘Minor Notes.’ While ‘Lemonade,’ her lead single on Aristokrat Records lies somewhere between underwhelming and intriguing, ‘Money Bag’ is a triumphant showcase of self.

If ‘Lemonade’ left more subconscious questions than answers about what she represents, ‘Money Bag’ showcased all the potential brilliance in her craft; her formidable voice, her creative use of it, her ability to find pockets and her ability to make mumbles make sense – a unique hallmark of pop essence, in its element.

Released on September 2, 2021, her debut EP, Fluid is a bumpy ride, which doles out incredible, essential moments alongside lukewarm, uncertain moments. It’s not just about the music, her beats or her talent though, it’s simply about how the music projects itself.

Records like ‘Satisfy My Soul’ and ‘Pin Me Down’ produce sonic satisfaction, but some people might struggle to truly connect with them because people connect with the artist, not just the music.

Sean’s brand is billed to be grown and sexy; carefree and rebellious; fierce yet emotive. While her sex-filled chatter on ‘Pin Me Down’ and ‘Stamina’ is good, there is a reason why records like ‘Underwater’ and ‘Minor Notes’ stand out from the crowd.

It feels like this listener was truly listening to a person, with experiences and not just the product of a studio session, who needs to conform to a brand. Nonetheless, ‘Fluid EP’ is a cohesive unit, which produces four essential songs, with high replay value from six.

While her lamba on ‘Satisfy My Soul’ and ‘Pin Me Down’ is as authentic as it gets, there is a disconnect in what the music itself represents. However, ‘Money Bag,’ ‘Minor Notes,’ ‘Underwater’ and ‘Stamina’ are beautiful records, with a soul. Any brand flaws will easily play extra tire to Sean’s vocal strength and her ability to dominate beats without being too obvious.

What can be done from here is an examination of the topics that Sean addresses on her music. As for talent, this woman has it in bulk. Most people can’t deliver records like ‘Money Bag’ and ‘Stamina’

Welcome, Ria Sean. Looking forward to your next move.