Britt Connors shakes off a potentially career-ending illness to release impressive new EP, Exhale.

By Graeme Smith

Just as the worst of the pandemic was over, and Britt was poised to start work on her fourth full-length album, she was rushed to the hospital, unable to swallow. Diagnosed with the rare and chronic condition Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE), her music career was suddenly put on hold.

After two years of experimenting with treatment, including taking a holistic approach, she was able to stabilise her health (and become a decent cook in the process.)

Her fourth work was planned to be another full-length but with her health issues to contend with, Britt has opted instead to release six tracks written and recorded with her band, collectively titled Exhale.

The record kicks off with the brassy, soulful No Saint and we at once know we’re in for something a little special. Britt’s vocals are the shining star of the show as they deliver relatable, emotional lyrics that bear her heart. There’s something in it for lovers of the old school and the new, meaning it proves to be an early highlight.

Take Your Own Ride spices things up with a simmering moment that takes no prisoners with its lyrics. Hummingbird is delicately acoustic while August Passes is wistful and folksy. The versatility of genre on display is impressive, meaning we’re always pleasantly surprised by what comes next.

The EP is rounded off by the vibrant longing of Tilting at Windmills and title track Exhale. The latter is a final highlight thanks to its powerfully cathartic country.

Sometimes less is more and there’s enough packed into the six tracks of Exhale to allow us to become fully immersed in Britt’s world. She has a natural charisma and the musicality on display is wonderfully approachable.

Exhale was mostly recorded at Woolly Mammoth Sound in Waltham, Massachusetts. It’s out now and you can give it a listen below.