Sivu – Perfect Life Review

What does Sivu sound like?

The review of ‘Perfect Life’ by Sivu

Following on from his triumphant album ‘Wild Horse Running’ which is where I discovered him, James Page aka Sivu is back with a new EP to explore his softer singer-songwriter side. The Cambridge, UK-based artist has been one of my favourite discoveries in the last 18 months and this EP is a great entry point for anyone looking for vulnerable singer-songwriter feelings. Where 2023’s ‘Wild Horse Running’ was a Summer artisan album, this EP is Autumnal and dewy.

The EP opens with the acoustic guitar-led ‘Little Hurricane’. It introduces us to the light, direct and honest approach to music Sivu has adopted for the EP. A simple guitar chord pattern, piano embellishments and an infinitely chantable chorus hook. Its understated brilliance makes it a powerhouse opener. The next two tracks feature AK Patterson in supporting vocals. ‘Lost Ones’ is a rustic ballad that lets Sivu channel his inner Sea Wolf. A falsetto that cracks and shatters under the weight of the lyrics, each line delivers an understated gut punch as distant electric guitar wails echo out lost. In’ Perfect Life’, AK Patterson has more prominent airtime with a hollow cavern choral backing vocal arrangement. This bassless noodling folk track has most of its instruments being recorded and captured through echo only. I can’t tell if it’s a uke or a dulcimer that showers over the pacey acoustic guitar but the echo rings out beautifully like a shower of nails. It’s a beautiful track and the standout on the EP.

After all that reverb, ‘Take Me Outside’ is played in a vacuum. The warm room piano creaks and cracks but there is no reverb and Sivu’s voice is recorded intimately up close. I’m reminded of Jonsi’s softer lower register vocally across the EP, especially here. It’s such a quiet and unassuming song, perfect for coffee shop confessions. The record closes out with an acoustic version of ‘There Goes Life’, the closing track from Sivu’s recent album. The guitars, pianos and organs usher in a reflective and humble mood. It is a lovely alternative to the original.

Sivu’s stripped-back approach to ‘Perfect Life’ showcases the intimate folk side of his music. With all the production values, Sivu often straddles many genres and ideas and that’s what I loved about discovering his music initially. Here, we are reminded that in their simplest guises, these songs and Sivu’s performances are effective and affecting. Anyone looking to discover a new singer-songwriter – start here with Sivu. Anyone wanting something a bit more experimental – go for the album ‘Wild Horses Running’ instead. Either way, you’ll discover a hidden gem in music. Sivu remains one of my favourite new discoveries and I hope he is for you too.

Recommended track: Little Hurricane

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