A shared burden weighs heavy, oftentimes, on both singer-songwriters and auteurs in cinema: one of artistic responsibility. This is something which is usually excused when it comes to more mainstream fare, something excused of potboilers and mainstream music. It should be mentioned that it is a burden neither group asks for. It is the responsibility to speak to larger matters of the world and the ask to find poetry in the harrowing realities of the human experience. All this when, in human reality, some of the most poetic instances emerge from an irrational processing of emotions and matters of the heart, romantic or otherwise. The fanciful wish of a want to teleport to see a loved one at a distance, or the self-soothing want to erase the memories of a relationship gone sour – both speaking from a whimsical place which might require a degree of suspended disbelief, but stems from real roots of real feeling.
Su Isaac’s debut EP, ‘Good Fruit” is a delightful four-track collection that delves into these very intricacies of life, love, and self-discovery. With poignant lyrics and a blend of soulful melodies, Isaac takes the listener on an emotional rollercoaster that is both relatable and deeply moving.
The EP kicks off with “I Want”, a track that feels like a personal diary entry set to music. Isaac beautifully articulates her desires, which range from the simple to the intangible. Her love for life and the accompanying joy is evident, yet there’s an underlying fear of the inevitable changes that can occur with alarming speed. The authenticity in her delivery makes “I Want” an immediate and resonant opener. The title track, “Good Fruit”, serves as the EP’s thematic core. It’s a reflection on the journey of life – the hard work invested, the anticipation for rewards, and the coping mechanisms we adopt along the way. Isaac captures the essence of the delicate balance between effort and patience, creating a melody that mirrors the ebb and flow of life’s unpredictable currents. “Drunkenly”, the EP’s third track, takes a more introspective turn. In this poignant ballad, Isaac pens an unsent letter to an ex-lover, urging listeners to be gentle with themselves and mindful of vulnerability. The universality of the experience resonates, making it a relatable and comforting ode to healing and self-care. Closing out the EP is “Trouble”, a testament to Isaac’s versatility as an artist. The song explores the exhaustion that comes with fleeting romances and encounters with individuals who play games. Collaborating with the talented Nate Rich, who brings his skillful guitar play to the entire EP, Isaac conveys the weariness of the dating game and the hope of finding someone willing to take the risk for a lasting connection
“Good Fruit” is a testament to Su Isaac’s songwriting prowess and her ability to craft music that transcends genres. The EP’s four tracks collectively paint a vivid picture of the human experience, touching on themes of desire, hard work, vulnerability, and the pursuit of genuine connection. With each song, Isaac invites the listener to reflect on their own journey, leaving an indelible mark that resonates long after the music fades. Su Isaac has undoubtedly borne “Good Fruit,” and the result is a musical masterpiece that deserves repeated listens.
