We’ve watched Dondria evolve from a teenager who got her start on YouTube as the artist Phatfffat to a grown-a woman who has lived, loved, lost and learned. Earlier this month, she celebrated her 36th birthday by dropping a brand-new project, the EP Perspective, and the singer-songwriter takes us on a personal journey. Her first release in almost five years, the eight-track EP is truly a gift to R&B lovers.
Dondria has been teasing Perspective and releasing songs from it since early 2020. Included on the EP are previous singles “Take You There,” “Let It Be,” “Him” and “Good Company.” The songs fit together like perfect puzzle pieces with new tracks “Lose Myself” and “Free (Interlude)” and the duets “What I Need” featuring Josh Bias and “You And I” with Avery Wilson.
She explores her sensual side on “Take You There” before sharing a love letter to her music career on “Let It Be.” She puts a neglectful lover on notice that another man is stepping up on “Him,” which segues into her gracefully bowing out of the relationship on “Lose Myself.”
“Free (Interlude)” serves as the EP's mid-point and signals a sonic shift. On the interlude, Dondria speaks her truth about recent struggles she’s endured and lived to sing about, happily reclaiming her freedom. She's ready for a night out on the up-tempo groove “Good Company” and doesn’t want anyone killing her vibe.
Perspective ends with the pair of duets. Dondria keeps the tempo elevated and the lyrics straightforward on the sexy bop “What I Need” with frequent collaborator Josh Bias. “You And I” completes the package with Dondria and Avery Wilson's harmonious declaration of love and commitment.
“Most of the songs on the Perspective EP are very personal to me and have a dual perspective or meaning,” she said of the project. That personal touch and attention can be heard throughout Perspective; there isn't a bad song to be found on the EP.
Dondria wakes up anyone who's been sleeping on her with pristine vocals, an incredible range and rock-solid songwriting and production on Perspective. Hopefully, it won't be another five years until her next release as she continues to share her gifts.
Dondria Perspective [Amazon][Apple Music][TIDAL]
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