Better Joy – Heading Into Blue: A Stunning Debut EP That Balances Fragility and Power

Review By Halina Wegner

On her debut EP, Better Joy offers a stirring and unfiltered self-portrait, with Heading Into Blue serving as a bold statement of self-expression. Produced by the legendary Mike Hedges (The Cure, U2, Manic Street Preachers), the six-track collection blends shimmering alt-pop with raw vulnerability, creating a rich sonic tapestry of light and shade. With themes of self-love, self-doubt, and self-discovery, the EP invites you into Bria’s world, where heartache and hopefulness dance hand in hand.

The title, Heading Into Blue, is a direct reference to self-expression, with the colour blue symbolizing the true shade of her emotional vulnerability. Across these six tracks, Better Joy’s delicate vocals, textured guitars, and atmospheric production create a dreamlike yet deeply human experience—one that lingers long after the final note.

A Hauntingly Beautiful Start

The EP opens with “Couldn’t Run Forever”, an achingly beautiful yet subtly gritty lead track. Fuzzy, distorted guitars and ethereal vocal layers give the song a melancholic edge, while the driving rhythm keeps it uplifting and urgent. The lyrics, reflecting on facing inevitable truths and emotional reckoning, feel intimate and relatable, making it a fitting entry point into Better Joy’s world.

Next up is “Waiting on Time”, which leans into a dreamier alt-pop sound, with glimmering guitar lines and airy vocals. The track captures the frustrating limbo of longing and uncertainty, with a chorus that simmers with quiet defiance. Hedges’ production adds a rich warmth, making the song feel both expansive and deeply personal.

Moments of Grace and Vulnerability

“What a Day” offers a moment of gentle reflection, with its lilting melody and soothing instrumentation. The delicate guitar strums and soft, breathy vocals evoke a sense of wistful nostalgia, making it one of the most tender and heartfelt moments on the EP.

The hauntingly sparse “Quiet Thing” slows the pace, allowing Better Joy’s vocals to take center stage. The stripped-back arrangement creates a fragile, almost meditative atmosphere, where every word feels heavy with meaning. It’s a powerful reminder of the emotional weight that can exist in stillness.

Closing on a Raw, Poignant Note

“Carnival” injects a burst of playful melancholy, with its swirling instrumentation and bittersweet lyrics. The wistful, slightly off-kilter melodies mirror the push-and-pull of escapism and reality, making it a sonically vibrant yet emotionally poignant track.

Finally, the EP closes with “Can I Land The Plane?”, a stunningly raw and vulnerable finale. The minimalist arrangement, with its soft piano and airy vocals, creates a stripped-back intimacy. The song’s aching fragility leaves a lasting impression, offering a fitting farewell to this emotional journey.

With Heading Into Blue, Better Joy delivers a debut EP that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant. Her delicate yet powerful vocals, paired with lush, atmospheric production, create a stunning balance of vulnerability and strength. Each track feels like a confession, with layers of emotional complexity woven into the alt-pop textures.

This EP not only introduces Better Joy’s distinct voice but also marks her as an artist to watch. With raw emotional honesty and shimmering sonic beauty, Heading Into Blue is a poignant, captivating debut that leaves you eager for what’s next.

Tracklist:

1. Couldn’t Run Forever – 2:51
2. Waiting on Time – 3:07
3. What A Day – 3:18
4. Quiet Thing – 4:16
5. Carnival – 3:31
6. Can I Land The Plane? – 3:49