ASH - Holding Water
photo credit: harley weir
ASH’s debut EP, Holding Water, is a deeply personal and genre-defying exploration of emotional release, transience, and self-reflection. Hailing from Beijing and now based in New York City, ASH is an emerging name in the alternative R&B scene, and her EP marks a bold statement from an artist unafraid to push boundaries and create a soundscape as complex as her multicultural background. Blending R&B, indie, neo-soul, and rock, the seven-track project stands as a testament to her talent, where introspective lyricism meets intricate electronic production.
With her training in classical piano and self-taught expertise in multiple instruments, ASH's sonic identity is rich and versatile, reflecting her international upbringing in Beijing. Her exposure to a wide array of influences growing up, and her Ivy League education, both inform her artistry. The result is an EP that is both musically innovative and emotionally resonant.
Opening with the ethereal track ‘INTRO’, ASH immediately sets the tone for the EP with a minimalist approach. It’s a stripped-back, ambient introduction that allows her haunting vocal harmonies to take centre stage, gradually drawing the listener into her world. This leads seamlessly into the EP’s first single, ‘Infatuated’. A laid-back indie R&B groover, the track embodies a kind of wistful, melodic exploration of unrequited love, with ASH’s emotive vocals gliding over dreamy synths and delicate instrumentation. The laid-back groove contrasts with the complexity of her emotions, creating a mesmerizing effect.
One of the EP’s standout moments comes in ‘Reverse Psychology’, where ASH balances intricate production with emotional storytelling. The track’s hypnotic beat and layered harmonies narrate the tension and turmoil of a crumbling relationship. The interplay between electronic textures and ASH’s tender yet defiant vocal performance makes the song a true highlight, as it conveys the complexity of navigating love and loss with raw vulnerability.
‘Pearl’ takes a different approach, with stuttered rhythms and airy vocals that shift in and out of focus, creating a sultry and confident anthem. ASH’s voice dances atop the track’s layered production, offering a sense of self-assurance that contrasts with the more introspective moments of the EP. The sonic diversity of ‘Holding Water’ is fully on display here, as ASH seamlessly moves between genres and emotional registers with ease.
Another noteworthy track, ‘These Clouds’, slows the pace down, leaning into ASH’s melancholic side. Minimal instrumentation, coupled with a smooth saxophone solo, creates a serene, atmospheric soundscape that offers a moment of introspection and reflection. The melancholic beauty of this track, with its floating vocals and soft jazz influences, gives the listener space to breathe and reflect before the EP reaches its climax.
The title track, ‘Holding Water’, serves as a fitting conclusion to the EP. Here, ASH strips the production back even further, relying heavily on a rhythmic pulse and layered vocal harmonies. The clopping beats and pulsing bass create a sense of forward momentum, while the pitched vocalizations create a dream-like quality that feels both grounded and otherworldly. It’s a poignant closer that encapsulates the thematic journey of the EP—finding acceptance in transience and learning to let go.
Lyrically, Holding Water, is rich with introspection and emotional nuance. ASH draws on her bilingual lyricism, blending English and Chinese, to explore universal themes of heartache, self-discovery, and emotional release. Her ability to write about these deeply personal experiences in a way that feels both specific and universally relatable speaks to her skill as a songwriter. Each track feels like a window into her inner world, offering a raw and honest portrayal of her emotional landscape.
It’s no surprise that the EP caught the attention of Grammy Award-winning mixing engineer Jeff Ellis, known for his work with Frank Ocean, Doja Cat, and Kali Uchis. The collaboration brings a polished yet organic quality to the production, allowing ASH’s unique vision to shine through while maintaining a sense of intimacy and warmth.
Reflecting on the EP’s creation, ASH has spoken about how the project began during a period of emotional release and self-reflection. The process of writing and producing, Holding Water, allowed her to process old emotional “knots” and find mental freedom by letting go of control. This thematic journey is felt throughout the EP, as each track seems to capture a fleeting moment of emotional clarity before it dissolves, much like water slipping through one’s fingers.
With, Holding Water, ASH firmly establishes herself as a rising star in the alternative R&B scene. Her ability to blend genres, her emotive vocal delivery, and her introspective lyricism set her apart from her peers. The EP is not just a collection of songs; it’s a deeply personal and cohesive work of art that signals the arrival of a bold new voice in contemporary music. ASH has made her mark, and Holding Water, is only the beginning.
Danielle Holian
★★★★★