Sometimes, an album sneaks into your life like it’s been listening in on your thoughts, waiting for the perfect moment to arrive.
That’s exactly how Fazerdaze’s Soft Power found me. It’s a beautifully transformative exploration of change, resilience, and the quiet strength we hold onto when everything feels like it’s spinning out of control.
Amelia Murray, the creative force behind Fazerdaze, first made her mark in 2014 with her self-titled debut EP, introducing her shoegaze-pop sound to the indie world. Her 2017 breakout single “Lucky Girl” and debut full-length album, Morningside, solidified her as a rising star.
But after her early success, burnout and personal challenges led her to step away from music. In 2022, she boldly returned with the grungy, ’90s-inspired Break! EP, showcasing a rawer, edgier side to her artistry.
With Soft Power, Murray returns to her atmospheric roots, infusing them with a wisdom and emotional depth that only comes from weathering some storms.
The title track, “Soft Power,” sets the tone for the album. Murray’s voice is steady, almost meditative, as she sings, “I’ll find it, my soft power in the dark.” It’s a quiet but determined promise like she’s making it to herself as much as to us.
It’s the perfect thesis for an album that navigates growth, healing, and the slow, deliberate process of trying to find your footing again.
From there, the album unfolds like a series of journal entries about the bittersweet complexities of figuring life out. “Cherry Pie” stands out as a reflection on the passage of time and reckoning with growing older.
Instead of resisting change, Murray leans into it, finding beauty in the ride even as she mourns what’s left behind. With its lush, ‘80s-inspired production, the track feels expansive and deeply intimate all at once.
“City Glitter” takes heartbreak and wraps it in calm acceptance, like the sigh you let out after crying yourself dry. There’s no bitterness or anger here, just the quiet strength of moving on while holding onto love’s lessons.
Murray reflects on fond memories with the clarity that the only way forward is through. The track’s synths and reverb-soaked guitars create a hazy, cinematic backdrop, like the soundtrack to staring out a rainy window.
Another standout, “Purple_02”, takes an honest look at mental health and self-worth. Murray softly sings lines like, “I crawl back in, back into my shell” and “I start to lose me within myself.” Her lyrics are disarmingly straightforward, capturing the emotions many of us struggle to put into words.
Paired with a lush chord progression and upbeat drums, the music feels surprisingly danceable. Just don’t listen too closely to the words, or they might kill your vibe.
Musically, Soft Power nails the balance between Fazerdaze’s dreamy indie-pop beginnings and the grittier edge she explored on Break! You’ll find a lot to love here if you’re a fan of Wolf Alice’s moody guitars or whispery vocals.
Tracks like “So Easy” and “Bigger” bring a jolt of energy, layering upbeat rhythms over Murray’s introspective themes. The result is a sound that’s compelling, dynamic, and unmistakably hers.
Currently touring with Finneas, Amelia Murray is an artist to keep your eye on. With Soft Power, she offers a profoundly introspective record that invites listeners to reflect, embracing the delicate balance of pain and beauty that comes with growth.
It’s the kind of album that stays with you, a quiet reminder that true strength often emerges from vulnerability and the determination to keep moving forward.
Check out Soft Power by Fazerdaze on Bandcamp here.
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This review was written by Charlotte Woska. Charlotte is a recent college graduate with a passion for music and writing. While new to the world of reviews, her love for music has been a lifelong journey. Through her work, she aims to shine a light on emerging artists and convey the impact music can have.
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