Formerly based in Brooklyn, South Africa-raised alt-rock artist Shalom reflects on loss and not returning to NYC on her new EP Sativa. Between the release of her 2023 debut album Sublimation, which spawned the cathartic dance-your-worries-away standout “Happenstance,” and now, the Maryland-born singer endured more than a few changes in her life.
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During her recently concluded tour, where she performed alongside indie rock singer Cinema Hearts on a slew of dates, she independently dropped Sativa, three new tracks that capture the turmoil of living in Brooklyn and getting through it all with a “green lifeline,” as she puts it on one of the songs. Carrying over the same level of transparency heard on Sublimation, Sativa shows the same range of complicated and relatable emotions across three songs, proving what an artist can do independently.
In keeping with the EP’s title, “Hit That (Gets You High)” is an ode to smoking while stuck in a lovestruck daze. The track remains in the same neighborhood as previous singles, with the bedroom pop sound matching the newfound infatuation Shalom’s caught in, eventually realizing she wants to “be the hit that gets you high.”
“Fed” similarly continues the DIY approach, albeit in a more gloomy turn where Shalom defeatedly accepts she needs some space. Although the song finds her emotionally on the opposite side of where “Hit That (Gets You High)” was, the same journalistic lyrics stay true to her confessional style of songwriting, pairing well with the crunchy drums and electronic keys.
Despite pulling out of SXSW to participate in the boycott alongside fellow up-and-coming acts Lambrini Girls, her tour was a success, culminating in a mini homecoming in Silver Spring, Maryland. More importantly, the release of Sativa is a reminder of how far Shalom has come since moving out of Brooklyn to the DMV, all while delivering the same catchiness at which she excels.
“I am so stoked to have this independent release out and breathing and alive. Let this be a reminder for us all to indeed talk our shit,” said Shalom on Instagram. “If you feel a lot, making stuff out of it is therapy. Sharing it is a bonus and I feel lucky.”
Words: David Sosa
Sativa by Shalom is out on streaming services. For more on new music and future shows, follow her on Instagram and her website.
