Welcome to the Club is the new EP from Hot Moms Club, the latest venture of Southern Californian singer / songwriter Eliza Vera. Following the release of her self-titled debut EP last May, Vera’s latest offering is a trio of sparkling indie-folk tracks.
Vera initially made a name for herself as a member of San Diego hailing indie-rockers Swimming in Circles; however, she has since been busy building her solo career and lending her songwriting skills and gorgeous vocals to artists such as Bartrees Strange.
Welcome to the Club opens with ‘Bacon’, her most recent single which captures the beauty in the simpler things in life, like the smell of bacon in the morning and fresh sheets on your bed. These acts of service, whilst small, signify the silent bliss of being taken care of by others. It really is the little things. Vera’s gentle vocals are set to a jangly soundscape which perfectly captures the sentiment of the track, listening to it feels like a warm hug from a loved one.
Elsewhere, the lead single ‘Trader Joe’s’ reveres the small moments of solitude during a hectic period of Vera’s life. The woozy autumnal single has a samba inspired rhythm with relaxed guitar chords. The lo-fi, loungey soundscape offers an interesting juxtaposition to the track’s lyrical content. Take the opening line for example: “when I think about it too much I could probably cry for an hour or two”, but instead of breaking down, Vera finds solace in the grocery store.
Finally, ‘80 Bucks’ reflects on an old relationship whilst swirling guitars and vocal harmonies add to the somber mood. Vera’s delicate vocals vent “I’m not here to love you just when you want me to”. Its soothing yet sad; her vocals drip with emotion whilst the slight arrangement of the track works to further emphasises the meaning of the song.
Immersive and dreamy, the EP’s indie pop influences showcase Vera’s languid, sugar sweet voice to maximum effect whilst her reflective lyrics hold the power to illicit an emotional reaction. Welcome to the Club could be the lovechild of Wolf Alice and Phoebe Bridgers; it has a distinct ethereal musical style matched with lyrical substance that just pulls you in.
Elisa commented: “I want this EP to prepare HMC listeners for a sound and style that is a lot bigger than the first EP.”
