8/10

Riva Taylor’s latest EP 'Keeping It Together' is a masterclass in effortless cosmopolitan pop. Across five tracks, she effortlessly fuses classic jazz elegance with sultry Latin rhythms, crafting a sound that’s as worldly as it is intimate. From the bossa-tinged grooves of 'Great Unknown' to the cinematic melancholy of 'Valentine Road', Taylor demonstrates an enviable command over her craft; one that blends theatricality, storytelling, and rhythmic sophistication without ever feeling contrived.

The EP thrives on contrasts. Her voice glides with the smooth confidence of a modern Barbra Streisand, yet she’s not afraid to let loose, flirting with playful phrasing and percussive flourishes that nod to cumbia and rumba. There’s a deliberate warmth in the production, where Marcus Foster’s subtle touch ensures every instrument feels alive and immediate.

The title-track 'Keeping It Together' exemplifies her skill at balancing grandeur with approachability. The arrangement feels cinematic without ever overshadowing the intimacy of her vocal performance. Elsewhere, 'Hey Ho' channels the infectious swing of a bygone jazz club, but it’s carried by an energy and modernity that makes it feel completely current. Across the EP, Taylor’s exploration of Latin sounds is a natural extension of her musical journey, reflecting both curiosity and lived experience.

What sets this EP apart is her refusal to be boxed in. She draws from decades of musical history, yet never feels trapped in nostalgia. Instead, she reinterprets these influences through a contemporary, borderless lens. This is music for those who crave depth in pop, and appreciate that sophistication and fun can coexist in the same song.

For anyone who’s followed her evolution from child prodigy to internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter, this release confirms that Riva Taylor’s artistry is only expanding, and the next chapter promises to be even more compelling.