Marissa Burwell Explores Love and Healing in 'Either Way' EP

With the release of her second EP Either Way, Marissa Burwell has proven she’s a name to watch out for at the forefront of up-and-coming indie artists. Coming out of Regina, Saskatchewan, Burwell offers a soft folk indie sound full of vulnerability and reflection, complemented by dreamy vocals and a full backing band. Written through different points of reflection, Either Way explores themes of hope, healing, and love throughout the tracklist. 

The EP starts off as the singer lays everything on the table in “Coward,” a vulnerable track reflecting on the inability to speak up, told through mesmerizing vocals backed by soft melodic guitar. 

Photo courtesy of Kwento Productions

“Kiss Her” maintains the soft indie-folk sound as Burwell expresses her frustration with heteronormativity and how it “sets you up to see women loving women relationships as something that can serve men instead of as an option for love”. 

“You’re Not Trying Very Hard” delves into the pain of wanting to be with someone who isn’t good for you, and the fear of what happens if they do show you the slightest bit of interest. The vocals are rounded out by the full accompaniment that fills the light, airy composition. 

The final track on the EP, “Either Way,” solidifies Burwell as someone to watch out for in the future in indie folk and rounds out the tracklist as it explores themes of love and healing. The track takes place at the crossroads of a relationship, filled with a soft sound as it questions the future and what’s to come. 

In its entirety, the EP is a very personal exploration as Marissa Burwell bares her soul and vulnerabilities across the soft and melodic tracklist. Perfect for quiet mornings or introspective late nights, Either Way is the ideal soundtrack for daydreaming and reflection, both about what could be or what already is.

Either Way is out now.