The EP AWAY TODAY by brooke is a soft yet daring creation, infused with the essence of freedom and laced with the quiet whisper of inner rebellion. For years, brooke was a jazz drummer, but within her lived a dream of finding her own voice and crafting an innovative sound. And she made it happen.

At some point, brooke took her rhythmic expertise, blended it with electronic percussion, added a touch of rock boldness and a pinch of dark-pop flair. The result is a dizzying cocktail that sounds like hypnotic ecstasy.

photo by @brookeclearyy

AWAY TODAY consists of six tracks, each one feeling like its own small universe. There’s cosmic electronica, confident rock rhythms, and the mysterious velvet depth of dark pop that envelops you from the very first seconds. brooke’s music tells a story of liberation – of how she learned to ignore prejudice and became the true master of her style. There’s a sense that brooke might be addressing more than her musical pursuits. Her sound carries a fearless readiness to embrace any idea and shape it into something unmistakably her own.

Some listeners might see experimentation in music as a challenge. And yes, it’s risky—but it’s breathtakingly exhilarating! This bold approach allows brooke to bring to life ideas that once simmered in the depths of her jazz background. Now, she carries those pulsating rhythms into an electronic-rock dimension, delivering results that captivate with contrast: loud and gentle, bold and intimate, dark and hopeful—All woven into a special pattern of sonic shades.

When I listen to new records, I often find myself eager to skip ahead and discover the finale. But with AWAY TODAY, I had the opposite urge: to savor every track, like stretching out a favorite childhood bubble gum, enjoying every bit of its nostalgic flavor.

You Watch Me Break is a true gem for fans of synth-pop with a touch of hypnotic rhythm. There’s something irresistibly alluring about it—from its slightly moody, low tones to the ear-tickling danceable foundation. brooke also manages to slip in a brief spoken-word section that lingers in your mind long after. Meanwhile, the chorus gently washes over you, offering a moment of respite as the bassline below keeps its restless energy alive.

All I Ever Wanted feels like stepping into an indie rock world with a faint whiff of arthouse. The guitar riffs act like a steady heartbeat—sometimes quickening, sometimes pausing—giving the track a pendulum effect. The result is a subtle melancholy that seeps under your skin, though not in a way that drags you into sadness. Instead, it nudges you toward a few philosophical reflections on who we are and what we want.

photo by @brookeclearyy

Desirée takes brooke into darker territory. The heavy drums feel like they’re freezing time, while sudden bursts of guitar create a uniquely brooding atmosphere. Her vocals lend the track an almost magical allure. It’s a piece built on contrasts—there’s no predictable pattern, and you can’t anticipate where the melody will turn next or how it will all conclude. That sense of unpredictability is what makes its atmosphere so captivating.

Red is an experimental, slightly meditative piece that feels tailor-made for a quiet evening when you just want to shut out the world. The soft, slightly diffused sounds create a gentle sense of warmth and comfort.

Alarming showcases brooke’s ability to surprise once again. Here, she shifts toward a more commercially appealing pop sound. Catchy melodies and expressive vocals make the track highly memorable. It’s one of those songs you’ll want to put on repeat, retracing its polished melodic paths while delving deeper into the lyrics.

CLOSE ENOUGH is an energetic closer, blending synth-pop pulses with subtle house influences. It feels as though brooke has brought her story full circle, ending where she began but on a new level. She sounds more confident, as if she’s lived a whole lifetime within these six tracks and now fully understands what she set out to express. When listening to the EP as a whole, it leaves a satisfying sense of completion.

AWAY TODAY isn’t purely an experiment; it’s, above all, a fragment of genuine emotion given musical form. If you’re looking to escape the ordinary and step into someone’s personal universe, this EP throws the doors wide open. It’s fascinating to witness how brooke breaks down the walls of convention, all while maintaining the grace of a confident artist and producer. The result is a unique connection with the listener—a magical sense of belonging and an irresistible desire to dive back into her melodies time and time again.

*This review was made possible by SubmitHub