EP REVIEW: How To Run – Izzy Mahoubi

Since her recent signing to Rude Records at age 18, singer-songwriter IZZY MAHOUBI has quite literally hit the ground running with the release of her debut EP How To Run. Originating from Phoenix, Arizona, the indie artist gives credit to the local music scene, citing it as a place where she came to many realisations. Her first EP aims to encapsulate this exact point in her life and everything that she has learnt up until now, detailing themes of personal growth, pushing the limits, exploring curiosity and discovering what she is capable of. How To Run is a heartfelt, brave and emotional debut EP, and it demonstrates exactly who IZZY MAHOUBI is.

Opening the EP is its title track How To Run, seemingly beginning as an atmospheric piano ballad that builds in urgency and tension. Mahoubi’s voice immediately stands out, with an amazing range and a good amount of attitude. Summarising the lessons that can be learnt from being hurt by someone, this is a song that many people will surely relate to. With lyrics that tell a story and guitar to accompany it perfectly, this is a really solid introduction, creating excitement for the rest of the record and establishing her fairly unique style early on. Mahoubi may be a newcomer, but she really doesn’t sound like it.

Next is Cool Guy, a track jam-packed with attitude and personality, making it immediately likeable. Telling the story of the authentic, real side of the music scene, Mahoubi uses imagery and clever lyricism to bring her descriptions to life. With a pretty clear TAYLOR SWIFT influence throughout, the chorus has a seriously catchy and radio friendly element, and definitely acts as a single and an easy listen. Torn In Two is a more gentle, delicate song, proving that she’s capable of doing different things well. The emotion that has been poured in is easily felt, and her voice is beautiful once again. Closing the EP and once again changing the pace is Hang Around, where the intricate guitar is the main focus. With a catchy chorus and pretty backing vocals, a more country sound is introduced. The high notes in the bridge solidify how good her voice actually is, and she perfectly captures a feeling of giddiness and excitement.

While it’s impossible to ignore the addictive richness of IZZY MAHOUBI’s voice, the main appeal of this EP is the lyricism, which can be overly literal at times but extremely well-written nonetheless. Demonstrating what she is capable of and feeling like a little taster, How To Run is very close to a perfect debut.

Rating: 9/10

How To Run is out now via Rude Records.

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