Nicole Alexis
“Mirrors and Smoke”
Genre: Singer-Songwriter
Nicole Alexis’ music explores heavy, emotionally vulnerable themes, delivered through a raw and powerful vocal range. Her latest project, “Mirrors and Smoke,” offers the same vocal strength that fans know and love, but through a more stripped-back production style. Her voice floats over subtle pop-punk influences, balanced between stories of yearning, love, and emotional uncertainty. Despite the weight of the storytelling, her vocals are grounded by delicate acoustic guitar work.
The production is simple, but intentionally so. You can hear the subtle details, like fingers sliding along guitar strings, especially on “DON’T TELL ME TO BREATHE,” which creates a sense of intimacy. It almost feels like sitting in on a small acoustic performance, where every note and lyric is fully exposed. Fans of Nicole Alexis will likely find this EP refreshing, as it offers a more scaled-down and intricate look at her vocal ability and lyricism. For new listeners, however, this may not be the best introduction to her typical sound, which often leans into fuller production, breakdowns, and a blend of singer-songwriter, alt-rock, and pop-punk influences.
This isn’t the first time Alexis has explored stripped versions of her work. Tracks like “Find Another You” and “Feeling Alright” have previously been released in acoustic formats, showing her continued interest in presenting her music in multiple forms. Hearing both versions highlights her versatility and dedication to her craft, giving listeners the option to connect with her music depending on their mood.
“Mirrors and Smoke” is a simple yet effective EP that captures everything that makes Nicole Alexis’ sound so compelling. It’s vulnerable, relatable, and emotionally resonant. It’s a quiet but powerful reminder of how impactful stripped-down music can be.
Recommended Track:
“DON’T TELL ME TO BREATHE” stands out with its ear-catching guitar work and angsty, upbeat energy, making it an easy track to return to.
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
