Sarah Kinsley's “Ascension”, A Look At Heavenly Love and Loss

Sarah Kinsley’s 2023 EP, Ascension is a shocking expose of the heavenly feeling of love and what happens when you lose it. The spirit of disco runs throughout the album but Kinsley’s haunting tone and simple, yet honest lyrics, keep the project grounded in the 21st century. Not many artists can pack such a big sound into such a short project, but Kinsley does it. Not only does she do it, but she does it by herself, every track is solo written and produced by Kinsley herself. With production and lyricism reminiscent of Lorde’s Melodrama, and more post-modernist influences, Kinsley created a unique entity.

Opening with ‘Oh No Darling!’, Kingsley talks of childhood and a one-sided love affair. The lyrics paint portraits of vivid memories, while the 80’s synths create an infinite-sounding dreamscape. The track is introspective, looking at a girl stuck in the second decade of her life, and the heavy kick drums set the pace for the narrative.

‘Black Horse’ opens with heavy-hitting beats, resolving into truly unbeatable fairy-like vocals. The song has a reckless and carefree energy that’s reflected in the vocals leading up to the chorus. To sum it up, what a black sheep is to a family, a black horse is to love, and Sarah Kinsley loves to run.

In the title track ‘Ascension’, Kinsely signs of fleeting love, a struggle to stay above water while healing, and the moment of goodness repeating in her mind. The track opens with some of the first authentic piano heard on the EP and shifts to a lighter synth. The title reflects the feeling of the song well and the overall theme of the project, a simple, gone-too-soon love, that leaves you feeling like you're floating.

‘Lovegod’ is an ode to Kinsley’s own personal cupid and her prayers for someone to “kiss away the forces of my mind.” Potentially, the funkiest out of all the tracks, both the production and the lyrics, push Kinsley’s seemingly limitless musical boundaries. She talks of a “prick at a bar”, telling her she looks nice, and it’s true but why is it coming from him? This is explored more later when she makes the mistake of giving the “prick” a chance.

In the closing track ‘Sliver of Time’, Kinsley explores a sort of pulsating sound, a clock ticking, if you will. Angelic background vocals, lead us into the track where she says, “love isn’t always the answer.” Kinsley’s wistful tone throughout the track is a perfect way to close the project; an honest letter to past lovers, fleeting moments in time, and the otherworldly feeling that even the briefest of loves can give you.

Be sure to catch Sarah Kinsley at Lollapalooza this year in Chicago, IL and be on the lookout for future projects!

(cover photo by Shana Jade)