chiika. – Unlearning (2021)
With her EP Unlearning, chiika. has collected her thoughts and analysed a previous relationship. Through the four tracks of the EP, she takes listeners on a journey of realisation, processing a toxic relationship, establishing boundaries and finally moving on. To the sound of RnB, she blends common sense with emotional lyrics for a touching journey that many people have been through and can relate to.
Pulling no punches, she uses her own experiences for an honest look at the world and what people are going through. Her songs all reflect the aspirations, reflections and relationships we see in daily life while cutting through to the core with finesse. While still at University, she shows musical prowess with each track.
The journey of the EP begins with ‘Gr8ful/H8ful’ which is a wonderfully petty song about not forgiving someone. The electronic tones of the melody pulse through you to push the negatives of the lyrics into your chest. The combination of these beats and the lyrics fill you with indignation over the situation while putting you firmly on her side. There is a wonderful pulse of emotions in the song that has you holding a grudge against the other person with her. Through the anger and lack of forgiveness, you are filled with a cathartic sense of healing.
‘Saviour’ is linked to the opening track as it throws you into the moment you realised the relationship is bad for you. The interplay between the elements in the track is wonderful as you are hit with an icy realisation only to sink into an almost emotional detachment. The music has a more melodic RnB flow to it as you are buffeted between heartbreak, realisation, empowerment and questioning of self-worth. Through the lyrics, you wander through the analysis of the relationship that eventually leads to the aggression of the opening track.
Moving to a sultrier RnB flow, ‘Real Deep’ has this flirty feeling to the music. Teasing against your senses, the track beckons you closer only to push you away. The light vocals make you take a step forward only to encounter the more powerful vocals that take a step back. This has all been wrapped up into a soulful and sensual soundscape that makes you think of satin and warmth.
The journey ends with ‘Incredible’ that is all empowerment and leaves you feeling strong after the events of the EP. There is a punchy vibe to the music and vocals that offers a cheeky and sassy hit of power. Through the music, you are filled with the understanding that you are incredible for having survived a toxic relationship. By the end of the track, you will be walking with your head held high and riding the waves of self-belief and self-confidence.
Through the four tracks of Unlearning, chiika. fills you with self-confidence and strength while walking away from a toxic relationship. Packed with sassy, sultry and cheeky tones, she refuses to apologise or forgive while showering you with unabashed empowerment. Each track is a different stage of the journey that comes together as a whole to leave you feeling great about yourself.
Find out more about chiika. on her Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
