REVIEW: Altara’s Debut EP ‘The Lobby’ is a Genre-Bending Triumph - A Fresh, Emotional Ride through Alt-Pop and Electronica
REVIEW
REVIEW
☆ BY DANIELLE HOLIAN ☆
Newcomer Altara, the Irish-born artist making waves in alt-pop and electronic music, has just released his debut EP, The Lobby. This three-track project introduces listeners to a fresh voice with a sound that’s equal parts innovative and irresistibly catchy. With each song on The Lobby, Altara pulls listeners into his distinct blend of emotion-driven lyricism, polished production, and a genre-fluid approach that positions him as an artist ready to push musical boundaries.
The EP opens with “Somebody To Lose,” Altara’s debut single that first dropped in August and immediately caught listeners’ attention. The track is a lively fusion of alternative pop catchiness and electronic intensity, showcasing Altara’s skill at transforming personal, often bittersweet experiences into infectious anthems. In “Somebody To Lose,” he explores the pain and thrill of falling for someone who’s already in a relationship. Though the theme could easily veer into melancholic territory, Altara keeps it lighthearted, using witty lyrics and a playful beat to turn heartache into a danceable groove.
“When I find myself falling for someone, I get very in my own head and can make everything feel so heavy,” Altara explained. “With ‘Somebody To Lose,’ I wanted to write something that made light of that. I wanted to show myself that catching feelings doesn’t have to be this intense, dramatic thing; it can be fun, easy, and even embarrassing in the best way.” Altara’s words reflect refreshing honesty and self-awareness, a hallmark of his artistry that shines through on the track. The song’s vibrant rhythm and relatable lyrics make it an instant favorite, showcasing his skill at weaving emotional depth into a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience.
The EP’s second track, “It’s Hitting You, Isn’t It,” builds upon the soundscape introduced in “Somebody To Lose,” delivering a more complex sonic and emotional experience. Written partly in an airport, the song blends the warmth of alt-pop with the intensity of electronic music, a contrast that mirrors the inner conflict explored in the lyrics. Altara describes the track as a piece that went through multiple iterations before he was satisfied with its direction. “It started as a love letter,” he shared, “and went through so many stages—from a sentimental ballad to a high-energy track with a drop section.” This evolution is evident in the song’s layered structure, which takes listeners on a journey through sonic highs and lows, mirroring the unpredictable nature of love and longing.
“It’s Hitting You, Isn’t It” feels like a moment of vulnerability, as Altara’s lyrics capture the wavering emotions of someone on the brink of losing control. His fluid approach to genre and song structure allows the track to glide seamlessly between catchy alt-pop hooks and intense electronic drops, giving listeners a sense of Altara’s versatility and creativity. In its emotional complexity and sonic dynamism, “It’s Hitting You, Isn’t It” offers a deeper look into Altara’s evolving sound, one that continues to defy simple classification.
The EP closes with “Milan,” a stripped-back, intimate track that places Altara’s vocals front and center. Here, he reveals a more sensitive side, sharing a piece of himself in a raw, almost confessional manner. “Milan” is a song about the difficulty of letting go, whether in friendships or romantic relationships, and Altara’s soft yet resonant delivery captures the weight of these farewells. “I wrote ‘Milan’ to say what I couldn’t find the words for,” he explains. “Letting go is something I’ve always struggled with, especially when I’m not sure if it’s the right thing to do. This song is a way of facing those feelings.”
Musically, “Milan” contrasts with the upbeat vibe of the EP’s first two tracks, offering a quieter, more introspective close to the project. The minimalist production allows Altara’s voice and lyrics to shine, making the song feel almost like a live, intimate performance. It’s a reminder that beneath the slick production and playful lyrics, Altara is an artist who brings a real emotional depth to his work, capable of conveying vulnerability and introspection with the same ease he brings to more upbeat, danceable tracks.
Altara’s The Lobby is a promising debut that highlights his ability to blend genres and emotions into a cohesive, captivating sound. With influences ranging from alt-pop to electronica, his songs showcase a polished yet playful approach to music that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. Altara’s journey has taken him from Ireland to Paris and beyond, and each song on The Lobby reflects a piece of that personal and artistic evolution. His ability to turn complex feelings into something light and enjoyable, without losing emotional authenticity, makes The Lobby a unique addition to the alt-pop landscape.
In a world saturated with new music, Altara stands out as an artist who’s unafraid to take risks, both lyrically and sonically. The Lobby offers a glimpse into the mind of a musician who is just beginning to find his voice, yet already sounds self-assured and bold. With his debut EP, Altara is here to make an impression—and if The Lobby is any indication, this is only the beginning of what promises to be an exciting journey.
