In order for music to have substance, it needs to convey feeling and emotion. Without these elements it can be a bland attempt at structured noise, but when they’re present it can be something special. Ever since she figured out how to operate the GarageBand program on her MacBook, Long Beach, California native Hannah Moroz has been utilizing this artistic approach. Her way of songwriting has an harmonic flow while never straying away from exhibiting an amplified edge. This is evident in her debut EP titled Sunken People that came out under her last name via the Cranston-based record label Pitch & Prose back on November 26.

Being a product of the digital age has played a part in Moroz’s music ever since she started uploading her material to the internet as a teenager. Her songs reflect on internal fear, the connections that come from both friendships and family along with the occasional romance. It all comes from her life being spent while getting to know unlikely people of various walks of life wherever she goes. Moroz has a habit of collaborating with musicians near and far which explains why an artist on the West Coast can get connected with a small label in a suburban city in New England. While playing both the rhythm guitar and keyboard along with singing, Moroz is joined on the EP by Evan Schaid on drums, Genevieve Quiquivix on lead guitar, Seamus Guy on violin, Josie Boyer on cello and Kristen Lee & Brooke Dickson who alternate duties on bass.

The dynamic between Moroz’s operatic voice and the electric guitars makes this record stand out. The opposites of the smooth and rough tones coming together to create a sound makes it more accessible while also straying away from being generic. A combination of pop, alternative, folk and straight ahead rock that refreshes the senses. This quality exhibits a willingness to step out of the creative box while maintaining a certain artistic vision. It’s a difficult thing to pull off but when it’s done right it leaves a positive impression while intriguing the listener into thinking where the artist will go next with their music.

Starting off in acoustic fashion, “It’ll All Be Over Soon” rides a steady rhythm that increases in harmony and melody. “Showing Up” features a subtle groove that’s kind of jazzy and kind of surfy but it doesn’t fully dive into either style. The guitars have a different vibe to them in “Blueberry Mascarpone” with the violin and cello having a bigger presence while giving off a baroque aesthetic. The title track incorporates an electronic beat that counteracts with an acoustic guitar in a blissful way. Concluding the record is “Ebb Tide” showcasing both Moroz’s skills on the keys and her vocal range.

Overall, the EP has a solid array of music that has a lot to offer. Each track brings something different to the ears and there’s a substantial cohesiveness that’s present as well. I would say that it’s ideal to get as a gift for a loved one, but since we’re past the holiday season I’d say just grab a copy to enjoy for yourself or your favorite music enthusiast. To do that, log on to Pitch & Prose’s Bandcamp page at pitchandprose.bandcamp.com and do a little searching to purchase the record. To follow Moroz on social media, check out her Twitter at twitter.com/morozhannah along with her Instagram at instagram.com/morozhannah.