From the very first seconds, “Round and Round” feels like a step forward for Isla Mae. Blending indie, pop, soul and jazz with effortless confidence, it’s the kind of track that quietly gets under your skin before revealing just how cleverly it’s been put together.
Still only 19, Isla Mae has already built an impressive reputation through three acclaimed EPs, festival appearances and multiple songwriting accolades.
Her new single is inspired by the push-and-pull of relationships that never quite know when to end, the song captures the emotional exhaustion and magnetic pull of two people trapped in an endless cycle. It’s a story told with wit, honesty and remarkable emotional intelligence, balancing sharp observations with conversational honesty and warmth that makes every line feel lived-in.
Musically, it’s a masterclass in restraint. Warm, groove-led instrumentation provides the perfect foundation for Isla’s rich, soulful vocal, which glides effortlessly between tenderness and quiet frustration. There are echoes of Raye and Olivia Dean in the genre-blurring approach, yet nothing here feels derivative. Instead, Isla has crafted a sound that is distinctly her own, one where folk storytelling, indie textures and contemporary pop hooks coexist naturally.
The chorus is the song’s knockout moment. Instantly memorable without feeling forced, it mirrors the emotional loop at the heart of the narrative, drawing the listener into the same addictive cycle as the characters themselves. It’s the sort of hook that lingers long after the music fades.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect is that Round and Round was largely self-recorded and self-produced. The production is polished, spacious and remarkably assured, allowing every vocal nuance and instrumental flourish room to breathe. It’s another reminder that Isla Mae isn’t simply an exceptional songwriter, she’s becoming a formidable recording artist too.
Blending indie, soul, folk and contemporary pop with effortless sophistication, Isla Mae’s Round and Round is a beautifully crafted exploration of a relationship caught in an endless cycle
Round and Round is further proof that exceptional songwriting will always outlast passing trends. This is indie-pop with heart, soul and staying power.
Round and Round is released on Friday 10th July.
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