Coma

Since the release of softscars last year, yeule has kept my attention. Whether it be the more gazey, otherworldly tones of Serotonin II or the rock influenced softscars, yeule has exhibited a sound that I’m always going to come back to. softscars was my favourite album of 2023 and of the 2020s. It’s absolutely magnificent on all fronts and has made its way back to the top of my musical rotation recently. Thus, I wanted to hear more, leading me to this EP.

This is pre-LP yeule, before Serotonin II. Many of the stylistic roots of this Coma carry over to her breakout album, but here it feels a bit different. While yeule backs up their songs with the signature, soft, emotive vocals, its the production that does most of the talking. Of course the production is always key in their music, being a primary tone setter, but here it seems to be the main focus, evident on “I Miss You This Much” and “Death of an a.I.”. “Separation Anxiety” is more of the find blend of the two components that we see more on Serotonin II, carrying that same entrancing astral tone. The final song, “How Could I Forget You”, is one of my favourites. This song takes the spacey production found throughout the EP and tweaks it a little bit more for further interest. It’s so smooth and the pulsing synth pad is such a nice touch.

Coma, while being very refined and showing clear potential for artistic magnificence, has a bit less to say and offer than her albums would display for listeners. It’s very much a precursor to what would become Serotonin II. A nice, chill, enjoyable stepping stone experience.