“Slow Burn"—Baby Rose’s EP Review

Soul vocalist, Baby Rose and Canadian band BADBADNOTGOOD released a short but beautiful piece.

Year: 2024
Genre: Alternative/Indie
Run Time: 23 minutes, 32 seconds, 6 Tracks

Slow Burn Album Cover

The first time I heard Baby Rose, I immediately liked her. Maybe because I had a thing for Soul, but I believe it was because she struck me as someone who wants to carve her path and move in that direction. I can assure you that I never liked all her songs, but she has proven to be consistent, and consistent is what I like. It’s what shapes a musician throughout their career.

Having dropped an album in 2020, 2021, and 2023, “Slow Burn," is yet again proof of her unwavering consistency in the music scene. It is a body of work that evokes feelings of lounging back on a chair, sipping wine, and listening to vinyl as the light from the corner of the room fades. With this EP, Baby Rose truly excelled. Forming a team with the Canadian instrumental band and production team, "BADBADNOTGOOD," they dropped a beautiful piece that feels like a prelude to a larger masterpiece, leaving the listener eager for more from this talented duo.

“On My Mind,” the first track, is something from an alternative rock genre but deceptively starts with a black gospel vibe. It begins with a jazz organ intro and a steady 4/4 drum beat, lulling the listener into a false sense of security with a gospel or soulful vibe. It gives a false jazzy theme, but then comes the switch! The organ died, and then Baby Rose came in with her lush and tender voice. She is interpreting the story of a burdened heart—a heart about to blow up to release its source of burden so that it might be free. I think this line's calm sonic expression is somewhat intentional and artful, as we get an outburst in the chorus:

If my thoughts could just get past this part
And the words could somehow find your heart
And pour out
I don't wanna feel it at all anymore

[Pre chorus]
Runnin' through the highs and lows
Go through things that no one knows
Can try to let you know
So you don’t blame yourself anymore

The chorus session rushed into a rock mode with the full introduction of the rock guitar and the steady drum rhythm. “On My Mind” set the tone, the time signature (a steady 4/4), tempo (slow pace), theme, and mood for all the following tracks. We can hear the interplay between the organ and rock guitar during the chorus which creates a delightful tension, like rocking in your chair between two worlds—one filled with soulful energy, the other driven by alternative rock urgency.

“Slow Burn,” the second track in the EP, has somewhat the same element as “On My Mind.”. The temp, and time signature (a steady 4/4 beat)—is notable. I like that the list of songs in the EP all sound connected—we do not seem to have a track completely odd tempo-wise (save “It’s Alright,” which is written in a danceable tempo) or genre-wise.

One consistent element in the EP is the instrumental usage of the drumset’s steady rhythmic output, the guitar, and the bass. Other instruments seem to be used here and there. This proves the producer intelligently chooses their instrumental recipes, and you can hear his intentionality throughout the EP.

“One Last Dance,” the last track on the EP, is a rather perfect track to close the body of work—one that seems to resonate with me. It’s a track that takes you down a memory lane. I feel nostalgic blood streams running through my veins while listening to this song. It starts on a very calm plane, which, of course, maintains that character throughout. The flute even makes it more nostalgic and soulful, playing quite emotionally moody notes. Every instrument in this track is not just playing; rather, they are connecting and communicating on a very emotional plane. I like that the lyrics is rather a literary piece that tell a goodbye story. It’s like a metaphor—this is the “last dance." Take it before I end it. It signifies the end of a journey, something I regard as artful.

You know I still remember
Tried so hard but I can’t forget you
And I know that things have changed
Didn’t think I’d see you again

Know you’ll be alright
If you never see me again
But for old times
Give me one last dance

“Slow Burn” is a joint effort of some amazing musicians like Mereba who worked with Baby Rose to make this a success. Speaking about the collaborative part of the project, Rose shares:

“Slow Burn is our eclectic chemistry and the captured essence of our world’s colliding. Recording on tape with the band was a first, I felt like we were channeling Muscle Shaol’s rawness. It’s a reflection of past loves and losses, reminiscent of long drives down rural 95 from DC to NC as a child. This record represents venturing beyond boundaries, embracing freedom, and finding comfort. Enjoy the journey.”

Though a longer version would be welcome, “Slow Burn” serves as a testament to Baby Rose’s artistic evolution. With BADBADNOTGOOD’s creative production, this EP sets the stage for even more impressive work to come. We eagerly await their next chapter, if there are any.

Listen to the EP below