7/10
Washington DC-based artist Kevin Rose makes an unforgettable mark with 'Only Borrowed', his debut EP that feels as intimate as a whispered confession at dawn. Across six deeply felt tracks, Rose crafts a narrative that moves gracefully from euphoric beginnings to the bittersweet ashes of love lost, all the while grappling with the fleeting nature of connection and selfhood.
There’s a distinct vulnerability woven into the EP’s DNA. From the soaring, wounded hooks of 'How Many Times' and opener 'Should've Known Better', to the quiet ache in 'Fire', he invites us to sit beside him through every emotional high and low. It’s storytelling in its purest form, delivered through soulful, textured vocals that quiver with raw sincerity.
Highlights like 'Got On A Plane' showcase Rose’s ability to blend lyrical introspection with melodic sophistication, bridging confessional songwriting with wide-screen, anthemic moments. Meanwhile, the EP’s title-track serves as a reflective centrepiece, offering quiet resignation that lingers long after the final chord fades.
What truly elevates this project is his own fearless commitment to honesty. His voice is as stirring as it is unguarded, and his lyrics confront universal truths with an intimacy that feels disarming. There’s a quiet bravery in these songs, the kind that can only come from someone who’s chosen to show every scar rather than hide behind a polished facade.
With 'Only Borrowed', Kevin Rose delivers a complete emotional journey. It’s a release that asks you to feel deeply and leave changed. For fans of confessional indie-pop and soulful singer-songwriters, this is an essential listen; a shimmering debut that proves sometimes the most powerful stories are the ones we know we can’t hold onto forever.
