The debut EP by Bee Eigen, Sanguine, is the kind of release that sneaks up on you. It doesn’t grab your attention with loud fanfare or stadium-filling choruses. Instead, it gently knocks on the door, invites itself in, and before you know it, you’re sitting in the quiet aftertaste of something deeply personal.

photo by beeeigen.com

Bee Eigen is a queer indie-folk singer-songwriter from Nevada City, who has just released this incredibly intimate collection of songs. Sanguine is a reflection of more than three years of her life. There’s no pretense here—just an honest, unfiltered look into her inner world.

With only four tracks, Sanguine doesn’t overstay its welcome, yet it leaves an impression that lingers long after the last note fades. Each song is like a journal entry, capturing moments of vulnerability, introspection, and the kind of growth that can only come from navigating life’s toughest moments. Bee doesn’t shy away from the heavy stuff—she dives right into it, confronting issues like losing control of one’s life, the shaky foundations we sometimes stand on, the complexities of motherhood, and the never-ending battle with mental health. But it’s not all gloom and doom. There’s a lightness in the way she approaches these themes, a sense that even in the darkest times, there’s room for hope and healing.

The duality of Sanguine is what makes it unique. On the surface, the EP seems soft, almost fragile, with Bee Eigen’s gentle vocals and soothing guitar. It’s music that resonates and adapts to your mood—a little melancholic, deeply personal, but ultimately comforting in its honesty.

The EP opens with “Incredible Nothing,” a gentle folk-pop ballad. The singer’s voice is incredibly light, almost brushing against the shimmering flow of the guitar. The captivating hooks in the melody immediately draw you in, making “Incredible Nothing” an excellent start. What I love is that despite the emotional depth and sensitivity of the lyrics, the track feels like a lullaby, creating a very safe space. Bee Eigen opens her heart and shares something deeply personal with the world, and this is evident in her dreamy, almost soothing performance.

photo by @beeeigen

I love how the mood shifts in the next track, “Cake.” The singer’s voice takes on stronger tones, emphasized by the more vibrant guitar play. There’s a sense of inner strength in each chord, unfolding with every word. I appreciate the presence of sweetness in the sound, yet there’s always a lingering sense of subtle melancholy, gently tickling the consciousness.

Then, in “Aquarium Blue,” the guitar fades into minor, lower tones, gradually descending into the darkness of its own thoughts. Meanwhile, the singer’s voice becomes more intimate, as if she’s sharing her deepest fears and anxieties. This track is highly cinematic, one that will undoubtedly resonate with many and encourage listeners to reflect on their own thoughts.

The final track, “Bugs At McNear,” returns to a brighter, gentler folk sound. I love how hope and a sense of triumph over all previous struggles shine through in this song. The flawless cinematic arrangement, with its smoky tones and soft keys, adds just the right amount of warmth to the sound. Bee Eigen has a talent for creating deeply emotional music that reflects every aspect of her life, providing strength and energy. Undoubtedly, this is one of the most intimate releases, capable of offering support when needed and giving the strength to keep moving forward.

Bee Eigen has created something truly special. Sanguine is an EP that isn’t afraid to be vulnerable, to wear its heart on its sleeve, and in doing so, it offers listeners a space to reflect on their own experiences. This release certainly deserves your attention simply by being what it is – a genuine expression of life’s ups and downs, wrapped in a sincerity that’s increasingly rare today.

So, if you’re looking for something real, something that speaks to the human condition with both grace and courage, Sanguine by Bee Eigen might just be the EP for you. Bee Eigen’s voice is one to pay attention to, because if this debut is any indication, there’s much more to look forward to in the future.

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*This review was made possible by SubmitHub