Amber Mark Has You Moving on New EP ‘Loosies’ (Review)

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Tennessee singer Amber Mark certainly knows how to make a catchy R’n’B jam. While I first came across her on a collaboration with Paul Woolford, it was their debut album that had me hooked. ‘Three Dimensions Deep‘ had you engrossed with tracks on her insecurities, before finding self-confidence. It was a very open and honest record, mixed with catchy lyricism and great production.

Her return with ‘Comin’ Around Again‘ had me excited for Mark’s next release and this new EP has given fans that. Unlike the debut album, this focuses mainly on dealings with intimate relationships, while blending new sounds. The lyricism is more concentrated on catching the listener’s ear, as well as the beats, and they certainly do that.

Following a short, but sweet intro called ‘Destiny’s Child‘, which sets the tone with its bouncy synths and sultry performance, we get into the swing of things. First up is ‘Won’t Cry‘, which is written and produced entirely by the singer. The beat blends disco, synth-wave, and techno to create this danceable 80s-influenced jam. Mark delivers breathy vocals, leaving space to put emphasis on the words. This is also done with the vocal effects on the chorus and the melodic synths towards the end. This track is orchestrated very well and is effective in its delivery about telling someone wasting your time to get lost.

‘City Starlight‘ gives us a sound more akin to the last record, with a more funky R’n’B production from Two Fresh and Chase.wav. The performance here is great in execution, seducing you with the melodic vocal lines that have a real bounce to them. That simple, but effective lyricism is present in the chorus that is just straight-up catchy. Mark is longing for someone who she is no longer with, enunciating certain words using her breath control. Another highlight is the bass on the bridge, with this track delivering on every front.

Another song Mark is the sole contributor to is the single, ‘Sink In‘. The Jersey club influence gives that track an ‘oomph’ that makes it perfect for the end of the evening. Amber is on her seduction s**t, entrancing this person into making things spicy. Nice little touches include the violin at the end and the sampling of her cat ‘purring’. This is certainly one for the after-hours playlist.

Taking things more simply, ‘Wait So Yeah‘ lets the melodic trap beat do the talking. The choir vocals at the start add an atmosphere, that has your attention from the get-go. Matching this with a more rap-like performance allows Mark to simply tell this person she wants them. It’s probably my least favourite track here, but it does what it says on the tin.

‘Stop Calling Me‘ is pretty self-explanatory in its theme. The airy, blaring synths bring back that 80s influence that the leading artist matches with confidence. The angelic delivery and bouncy drums bring that catchiness, making for another hit. Concluding this project is ‘A Little More‘. The synths are a little more subtle but still have personality. Furthermore, the use of distorted vocals and bouncy drums brings something different. I’m also impressed by the verse where she starts every line with ‘someone’. It allows Mark to emphasise her wants and needs of this person who is failing to deliver. The chorus succeeds in all departments and we also get to see her upper register. It marks a nice conclusion to the EP.

Overall, this project does what it sets out to do: showcase Amber Mark on different sounds and provide catchy hits. It’s a fun project that provides a nice stop-gap till we get a second album. The lyricism doesn’t take too many risks, but that is kind of the point. She rarely mixes it up vocally but puts in solid performances throughout. This record may not change your mind about this artist, but it delivers some great music. Sometimes, that is all that matters.

Rating: 8/10

Amber Mark is on Instagram, X, and TikTok. Stream the EP below and read more reviews here.

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