7/10
There’s something quietly radical about an artist choosing to begin their story with restraint. And on 'Become', the debut EP from alternative folk newcomer Insignificant, there is a patient unfolding of thought, doubt, and fragile hope. And in that stillness, something powerful takes root.
This is a record designed to be absorbed front to back, as each song feels like a chapter in an internal dialogue that wrestles with dissatisfaction, self-examination, and the aching suspicion that life could be lived more honestly than it often is. The arrangements are sparse as they explore hushed acoustic textures, gently layered harmonies, and melodies that rewards solitude.
There’s a noticeable emotional clarity here. The writing chooses to lean into vulnerability, examining the gap between who we are and who we suspect we might become. That tension hums throughout the EP. On the opener 'Ourselves', the introspection feels communal, as though the artist is widening the lens to include us in the confession. Meanwhile, 'Forest Fires On The Moon' carries a slightly sharper edge, highlighted by its lyrical weight.
There are echoes of contemporary indie-folk’s softer edges but Insignificant’s voice has its own gravity. It feels almost hesitant at times, which only deepens its authenticity, as the production allows breathing room for lyrics to settle and for silence to speak.
At its core, 'Become' is about recognising discomfort and choosing to move through it. It acknowledges that something feels misaligned in the world, gently suggesting that change begins with awareness.
For a debut, this EP feels remarkably self-assured in its quiet way. Insignificant may carry a modest moniker, but 'Become' proves that small voices can still spark meaningful shifts if we’re willing to listen.