There’s something refreshing about music that doesn’t pretend. The Way I’m Wired by Eliza Harrison Smith is indie pop without trying to be anything else. It confidently walks the fine line between sincerity and radio-friendly sound—and, crucially, does so without feeling contrived. Five tracks are enough to show that Eliza has carved out her own niche, but not so many as to overwhelm the listener.

photo by @elizaharrisonsmith

This EP serves as a kind of calling card: everything you need to understand who Eliza Harrison Smith is can be found here. Candid lyrics about self-reflection, introspection, and mental health struggles, but wrapped in a package that feels more like a balloon than a weight on your shoulders. The themes are serious, but the music makes them easy to slip into a playlist alongside something like Maisie Peters or early Taylor Swift. That might just be the key formula: a balance between topics you could discuss in a therapy session and melodies that linger in your head for days.

When it comes to the commercial side, everything here is undeniably on point. This record clearly aims for a broad audience and does so without hesitation. The commercial sound is practically in the air—clean guitars, warm synths, a steady, effortless bass—working at full capacity to keep the tracks cohesive and far from the underground. And behind the mastering is Ruairi O’Flaherty, who has worked on records for Sabrina Carpenter, Billie Eilish, and Taylor Swift. You might not know his name, but if he’s been involved with artists dominating the charts, there’s a fair shot at success here too.

Eliza Harrison Smith’s airy vocals shine from the very first track, Backslide, creating a sense of warmth and hope. The soft, subtly pop-infused sound pulls you in immediately, making it clear that Eliza is serious about making her mark. Crisp percussion drives the rhythm, while hazy guitars add a sense of openness and lightness.

Bring You Down feels familiar and comforting, like a conversation with a close friend. Muted drums give it a stylish indie touch, while the layered textures and harmonies keep it consistently intriguing—there’s a clear attention to detail here.

Midway through the release, Contradiction feels as if it’s speaking directly to the listener. The vocals gain richness, the phrasing becomes more precise, and the delivery carries a newfound confidence. It’s the most delicate and perhaps the most emotionally open track on the EP, striking a balance between intimacy and a polished alt-pop sound.

photo by @elizaharrisonsmith

Eliza’s lyrical side shines brightest here. Every word feels woven from dreams and unspoken thoughts, creating a sense of closeness. It’s the kind of song made for melancholic evenings—one of the most memorable moments on the EP.

The closing track, Supposed To Be Happy, brings back a feeling of warmth and ease. Soft vocals blend with swaying guitars, while the gradually accelerating rhythm feels almost in sync with a heartbeat. It’s the kind of ending that leaves you wondering what Eliza Harrison Smith will do next.

It’s hard to miss how this EP encapsulates her past experiences while elevating her signature style. It feels like music that has finally taken the shape Eliza has long envisioned. Five tracks, each carrying a bold desire to say something meaningful—about herself and the world around her. There’s no shortage of personal stories, and every detail seems to emphasize the connection between internal conflicts and how they manifest in everyday life.

Eliza Harrison Smith has a charismatic voice that instantly draws you in. Its lightness makes for an easy listen, but when needed, an emotional depth emerges, adding sincerity to her songs. She doesn’t overdo the delivery or lean into unnecessary dramatics, yet she knows how to convey a mood—whether it’s contemplation, warmth, or a hint of nostalgia. It’s a voice that’s effortless to listen to but hard to forget.

Ultimately, The Way I’m Wired plays as a compact yet richly detailed confession. Despite its lyrical depth, it’s carefully laced with melodies that linger. The polished pop aesthetic rings like a shop bell, inviting you into a space where glossy production conceals expansive thoughts about identity and the way we live. And for anyone looking for a break from the everyday rush—a chance to step into Eliza Harrison Smith’s candid yet captivating world—this EP might be just what they need.

*This review was made possible by SubmitHub