Grace VanderWaal - Perfectly Imperfect

Age is but a number. Grace VanderWaal hit it big on America's Got Talent, but she's ready to take on the world with her debut EP Perfectly Imperfect.

It's truly hard to believe that VanderWaal is only twelve. This record feels like there's been a lifetime of sweet joy and heartbreak ingrained in its writer's experience. Hopefully her life has been nothing but joy (though I hope she hasn't experienced any heartbreak yet), because her music truly reflects her personality, and if that's anything to say about her, she deserves all the best. The opening song is the viral hit 'I Don't Know My Name,' the original song she delivered a heartbreaking performance of on America's Got Talent that won her the golden buzzer. The song remains just as unique and raw as its debut performance, VanderWaal's raspy and gentle voice ringing beautifully above her twinkling ukulele, a bright orchestra joining her by the end of the track for a final moment of revelation.

The rest of the record isn't quite as bright - in fact, it's pretty bittersweet. That seems to be the trademark of her music. 'Clay' follows through, an uplifting track based around the piano. VanderWaal's voice is showcased a bit more in this track, her sweet timbre rising with power at just the right moments as she sings about being yourself.

The next two tracks come as much a surprise, not for any reason other than whether intentional or not, these are some of the best love songs written this year. 'Light The Sky' continues on from 'Clay,' celebrating individualism with someone else. Two people are the subject of the song, two friends having pure fun under the moonlight. 'Beautiful People' has a more direct love vibe, VanderWaal abandoning her sweeter tone and adopting a more bittersweet timbre. The song is about her sister, but it can easily be put in the context of someone you love; whoever the subject is, this song resonates love. The swelling piano rings sweetly under the heartbreaking chorus, as she chants "You're a beautiful thing / We're a beautiful thing together / Even when the weather is low... We can find the rainbow / Up in the sky / You'd say don't you cry, it's all gonna be alright / That's a beautiful thing." The song reaches an emotional climax by its end, the piano swelling with her emotions. This is the most emotional moment of the record, and perhaps one of the most emotional moments of music in 2016.

Grace VanderWaal is so young, and she has a great career ahead of her. Whether or not she pursues music, she deserves all the best. Her soul is pure and her purpose sweet, and that's all you can ask for in. Perfectly Imperfect is a beautiful EP - when her debut LP is released, it's bound to make it big.

Favorite Tracks: Beautiful Thing, I Don't Know My Name

Least Favorite Track: Gossip Girl

Rating: 88 / 100

The Last Shadow Puppets - The Dream Synopsis EP

The big return of The Last Shadow Puppets this year sent indie fans into spirals. They aren't quite done with 2016 just yet - the band has shared their new The Dream Synopsis EP, featuring pseudo-live performances of some covers and reworked versions of a few older tracks.

The band released their second album Everything You've Come To Expect back in April as a follow up to their 2008 self-titled debut. The record marked the end of the band's hiatus, and 2016 has been a largely successful year for them. Still, the band took time to get intimate. The Dream Synopsis EP has a fittingly dreamy atmosphere around it, the chamber acoustics adding some color to the previously heard tracks.

The EP features reworks of two tracks from Everything: 'Aviation' and 'The Dream Synopsis.' The only noticeable differences are the rawer performances and accentuated orchestras. 'Aviation' somehow sounds even more cinematic and dramatic than the studio version, which is quite the feat. The orchestras really soar to an epic level by the end of the track. The vibe in 'The Dream Synopsis' is largely the same, but its sweetness can always be appreciated. The symphony only helps accent the song's creamy textures.

The Dream Synopsis EP also features four covers that the band performed throughout their 2016 tour. The first is 'Les Cactus,' formerly by French singer Jacques Dutronc. The cover steps away from The Last Shadow Puppets' signature drama and instead features a cool rock n' roll side to the band that doesn't come out too often. The same vibe follows through with a cover of The Fall's 'Totally Wired,' though this uncharacteristic nature of the band doesn't work as well here. The band stay in that era of music with a cover of the Glaxo Babies' 'This Is Your Life,' a dark tone settling over this track. The final cover is a classic by the late Leonard Cohen, 'Is This What You Wanted,' a song which really captures the essence of this band perfectly, especially when its Alex Turner delivering the vocals.

The Dream Synopsis isn't the perfect EP, but it's a nice treat from a rather elusive and dramatic band. These reworks and covers are a nice, raw taste of this band's core, providing for a very revealing listen. The Last Shadow Puppets aren't quite like anyone else, and they truly own that.

Favorite Track: Aviation (The Dream Synopsis Version)

Least Favorite Track: Totally Wired

Rating: 74 / 100