Wasia Project Perfects a Balancing Act with ‘Isotope’
Wasia Project’s sophomore EP, Isotope, marks a poignant step forward for the English indie-pop duo. Siblings William Gao and Olivia Hardy make a testament to their musical growth and explore the delicate balance between emotional depth and sonic experimentation in this short but sweet seven-track release.
Photo via Wasia Project on Instagram
The EP opens with "Is This What Love Is,” a track where Hardy’s haunting vocals take center stage. The upbeat tempo, driven by staccato piano and synths, creates a dramatic backdrop, with the repeated question, “Is this what love is?” resonating through the song. The combination of eerie and melancholic elements sets a captivating tone for Isotope, showcasing Hardy’s ability to evoke deep emotion through her voice.
“Takes Me Back Home” shifts the mood to a more introspective and romantic space. With a slower tempo and just a single piano accompanying Hardy’s smooth vocals, the track feels intimate and warm. The straightforward yet heartfelt lyrics, “I need you here with me/I need you right now/To take me back home/And make me feel warm,” are delivered with such sincerity that they transform the simplicity into something more profound.
Wasia Project then transitions into the instrumental title track, “Isotope”, which serves as a delicate interlude. While it doesn’t introduce anything particularly groundbreaking, the jazzy arrangement and the airy vocals of both Hardy and Gao provide a bridge between lyrical tracks.
Bringing back an infectiously upbeat energy, “Somebody Come Through” proves to be a standout track. Drawing inspiration from their previous work, particularly the track “Impossible” from their debut EP, this song refines the duo’s energetic formula with a captivating drum line and a catchy chorus. The lyrics, “Oh, somebody come through/Tell me why the way you look at me is so confusing,” paired with a lively rhythm, make it impossible not to sing along.
“To Get Better” is a rare showcase of Will Gao’s vocals in the spotlight. This introspective track features some of the EP’s most compelling lyricism as Gao reflects on a toxic relationship with raw honesty. The slow, synth-filled composition underscores his serious tone, especially as he sings about the struggles of mental health: “I’m really, really trying to get better/Smiling’s so hard for me.” The track’s unique instrumentals swell beautifully in the outro, leaving a lasting emotional impact on listeners.
Isotope concludes with two instrumental tracks, “...” and “Tell Me Lies (fin).” While the presence of two interludes in a short album might seem unnecessary, each serves a distinct purpose. “...” is a lush, atmospheric piece that provides a quiet moment of reflection after the raw emotions of the previous track. On the other hand, “Tell Me Lies (fin),” despite being entirely instrumental, stands out as one of the most beautiful tracks on the EP. Its complex string arrangement, supported by a steady piano, conveys a depth of emotion that transcends words.
Clearly favoring quality over quantity, Wasia Project improves their solid foundation as a dynamic duo with this seven track EP. Isotope is cohesive enough to establish a clear and unique sound, but eclectic enough to stay interesting, exploring a range of emotions and styles.