HOLLY MACVE’S NEW EP 'TIME IS FOREVER' IS A HEAVENLY MODERN-DAY CLASSIC

Photo: Laura-Mary Carter

Solo artist Holly Macve offers an authentic old-Hollywood style throughout her new star-studded EP ‘Time Is Forever.’ Her vocal range is haunting, melodic, and timeless; combining expertly crafted technique with passion, Macve has created a little piece of magic in her 5-track EP. As a first-time listener, I was truly blown away by how this Irish singer managed to evoke such a classic American sound authentically.

The EP starts very strongly, with the song “Beauty Queen” reminding audiences of the often dark experiences women face daily. The song’s message is important for women and men to hear, shedding a spotlight on something that might have otherwise been considered taboo. Her efforts to call out a situation were executed tastefully, showcasing her amazing capability to tell stories through music. It’s been a while since I’ve heard a good ballad, and Macve’s new EP is full of them, making me hopeful that her work will inspire others.

Next, “Dreamer” bends genre, taking listeners back to classics like the work of Dolly Parton, while still incorporating a modern indie sound into the mix. Macve’s inspirations are potent, sprinkling small Easter Eggs throughout the track. Slow and melodic, “Dreamer” uses multiple different strategies to portray a feeling similar to the song’s title. Her soulful vocal stylings are perfect for songs like this; you can feel every word she sings, and each story she tells is incredibly engaging. I find myself wanting to hear more of her perspective.

When I first began listening to the EP, I was immediately reminded of Lana Del Rey, making their collaborative effort “Suburban House” a perfectly full-circle moment. I knew immediately that fans of Lana Del Rey would love Macve, and I was hopeful that she would be able to intermingle with them. Thankfully, this duet seamlessly integrates both artists’ signature sounds, engulfing listeners in an indulgent, relatable ballad. Their harmonies are beautiful, flowing in and out with each chorus and verse, exactly in time, as if their voices were always meant to sing together. Lana’s solo verse rounds out the entire piece; neither powerful voice outshines the other, but rather, they are so complimentary that the natural energy of the collaboration radiates a necessary light.

The title track, “Time Is Forever,” does a bit of a genre-switch. This song sounds a bit more like Mazzy Star than Lana Del Rey or Dolly Parton, but its place in the EP makes sense, giving a sultry aura after several reflective ballads in a row. This is arguably the catchiest song throughout the EP, and it will likely get stuck in your head for an entire day following your first listen. There is some excellent guitar work in “Time Is Forever,” paired with a nice bassline that stands out from the rest of the EP.

Finally, Macve calls back to the year she was born in “1995.” Her power ballads are impressive; using familiar indie-ballad imagery like fancy cars and Hollywood lights, Macve has an optimistic tone throughout the song. “1995” is the perfect way to close out the EP, giving Macve the chance to fully showcase her perspective on life at large, while utilizing her impressive vocal range to tell her story. This new Hollywood starlet will take center stage for many years.

Click HERE to preorder ‘Time Is Forever."‘

Listen to the single “1995” by clicking below!