Nothing Matters (orz) is a quick mix of indie pop, folk, and R&B. It’s a sampling of Cohie and the dimensions presented across four songs. From the EP’s impact, Cohie’s warm vocals work in multiple genres and present a calming break inside a busy life.
“Dada” is a light folk and pop starter. It welcomes the listener to get drawn into Cohie’s vocals. The simple composition and layering give the song a breezy feeling. The 2:37 length moves quickly but firmly grabs your attention.
The main single is “Nothing Matters (orz).” This expands into indie pop and light R&B. As a natural progression from “Dada,” Cohie opens up the vocals a little. The arrangement uses repetition to support Cohie’s vocals and uses them as the song’s lead. She sounds very comfortable, and there’s not a lot of stress in her tone. It does feel like the song ends kind of quickly, like it could have used an extra verse.
Listening to the EP, it sounds like each song builds on the foundation of the one before it. “Melting Away” is slightly more complex than “Nothing Matters (orz).” The style adds a little bit of bossa nova inside the indie pop and R&B. There’s a familiarity with the song while also sounding distinct.
Nothing Matters (orz)’s final song is “The Story.” This track sounds the most commercial. It’s constructed like a ballad with a slowly building melody on the verse and Cohie’s lower vocals sounding like they’re building towards a crescendo. Unfortunately, she remains inside a comfortable range and doesn’t let go. It’s a missed opportunity because the song almost demands a big vocal presence.
Cohie presents four solid songs. She’s vocally stable and leads each song well. I will say the EP is lacking some dynamics and everything ends up being a little too calm. I think there’s something under the surface, but she hasn’t let it go yet.
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Written by Chris P for Korean Indie.
