'WAR IS OV3R' captures UCHAYE at the point of arrival

UCHAYE's story already contains several beginnings. There was the childhood violin training. Then came the return to guitar during lockdown, when home recording began turning into something more serious. Later came sustained studio development with Shaun Fleming, the producer and musician also known as Diane Coffee. Add a fast-growing online audience and performances at Minneapolis institutions such as Paisley Park and First Avenue, and it becomes clear that 'WAR IS OV3R' is the point where several strands finally converge.

But its strongest quality is control. UCHAYE clearly understands the value of dynamics, especially when moving between emotional states. The compact 'Denial (Interlude)' creates unease without overstating its purpose, while 'Denial' expands the same mood into something obsessive and psychologically volatile.

'Survive' then opens the EP outward. The guitars feel more assertive, and there's a noticeable change in perspective; that instead of circling what's been lost, the protagonist begins pushing against it.

That progression becomes more complicated on 'Currency'. It's a clever song conceptually because success is presented as just another possible hiding place. And here, she recognises that becoming stronger doesn't automatically mean becoming healthier.

But by the time 'Live Wire' arrives, there's genuine release. Its blues-influenced rock foundation gives her room to sound larger, freer and more physical, turning the final section into something closer to a declaration.

Throughout the record, the traces of David Bowie, Joan Jett, Bruce Springsteen and Lenny Kravitz are apparent in the confidence to make rock music feel theatrical, melodic and character-driven.

But what makes 'WAR IS OV3R' particularly promising is the sense that UCHAYE is still expanding. Her classical background, wide listening habits and instinct for narrative are all present, but they've been funnelled into a concise modern-rock format.

This is a debut with history behind it, but more importantly, it sounds like the beginning of something with genuine momentum ahead.