Carlie Hanson's journey has been intoxicating, and on her new EP, "Too Late to Cry," the singer-songwriter opens up a vulnerable new chapter. This seven-track project, which runs shy of 20 minutes, is a compelling testament to growth, heartache, and self-discovery, all encased in Hanson's trademark combination of raw lyricism and emotive soundscapes.
Since "Too Late to Cry" Junk, Hanson has firmly established herself as an artist with no qualms about authenticity. "Too Late to Cry" is a record governed by perspectives and moments of newfound clarity. That bittersweet quality of young adulthood, where people have passed and regrets crouch, but the future still looms with promise. The feeling is less like a series of songs than a confession, a midnight drive, or a moment of stillness in chaos. It's a sensation.
"Sinking" and "Baby" Shine stand out during this pervading shift, offering an otherworldly mix of ethereality and fortitude. "Sinking" washes over you in a deep pool of emotion, its somber structures pulling melodies downward with the weight of introspection. At the same time, Baby makes a self-enclosed space of intimacy, warmth, and nostalgia.
The juxtaposition of storytelling and sonic exploration makes "Too Late to Cry" an experience worth taking from beginning to end, said Hanson. Whether you've loved her since her first record or are just finding out about her, "Too Late to Cry" cements her reputation as a force in contemporary alternative pop.