<p><span><span><span><span><span><span><em>- All My Friends, </em>the debut EP from Brisbane’s very own DVNA is a playful spin on classic R&B, unapologetically skewed through the perspective of a millennial, coming of age. Fusing the sultry elegance and neo-noir pulse of a late-night jazz club, DVNA’s assortment of soulful pop songs are at their best when she embraces raw lyrics and bold production.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>There’s a line halfway through the record where DVNA contemplates the intoxicating closeness of a relationship, “<em>There’s no need to go outside, it’s alright here inside our minds.</em>” Aside from the inescapable (and mandatory) COVID reference from me, this beautiful line examines the intimacy of attraction and of silently contemplating the fallout of these feelings. By the next track, <em>Half Past Sober</em> -perhaps the most straightforward R&B cut of the record- things have changed: “<em>Morning’s coming closer, and I’m getting fucked over</em>” a pause for effect ...then “<em>By you.</em>” <em>All My Friends </em>intentionally or inherently reflects the feeling of euphoria and inevitable whiplash of the comedown that always follows. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>From the EP’s groovy, <strong>Rina Sawayama</strong> reminiscent opening track <em>Sushi in Tokyo</em>, DVNA sets the scene with fragments of voicemails alluding to a night out drinking. Where DVNA sings of feeling out of her depth, and slightly unsure, the gloss of her vocals and the track’s dazzling, intricate production are a definite contrast. For all of these super clean instrumentals, DVNA isn’t afraid of enrichening her lyrics with poignant anecdotes and personal insights. On the EP’s standout and title track, DVNA explores her mental health while the brightest, borderline oppressive funk is again in high contrast. In theory, it shouldn’t work, but… it sounds brilliant.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Combatting self-doubt with optimism; reflective lyrics with buoyant production and a stunning voice tying it all together, <em>All My Friends </em>is DVNA at her most honest and R&B at its best.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>- Sean Tayler.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
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