Cherry Makes Waves shows boldness and diversity in her new five track EP, 90 Beats Per Minute.

By Graeme Smith

A Latvian-born visual artist and producer based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Cherry Makes Waves is new to this blog. She’s just come to our attention thanks to her new EP, 90 Beats Per Minute.

The title of the EP refers to the steady tempo across all its five tracks. Though each track shares the same tempo, they vary significantly in terms of style and genre.

The collection opens with the cosmic Spaceman and we are at once drawn into Cherry Make Waves’ unconventional world. Long, lingering electronic notes set the scene before some more severe synths come in. Finally, her dreamy and expressive vocals come in and we are hooked.

Phaeton takes things in a darker, witch house direction while also giving us plenty of relatable emotion and pop sensibilities. The vocal becomes particularly soulful and soaring leading into the chorus, making the track a highlight.

BIG LEAGUE keeps things punchy, bringing some flashy drums and echoing guitar. A defiant chorus will stir you. Home (Complete) strips things back in a vulnerable moment before title track 90 Beats Per Minute closes the EP with tribal drums, whispered vocalisations and philosophical lyrics.

Cherry Makes Waves is making a statement with her new EP, not just musically but politically and personally. It’s a wonderfully diverse collection that proves that genre is simply a construct, and that message is far more important.

90 Beats Per Minute is out now via Undercover Lover Records. You can give it a listen below.