Leeds and Cambridge-based singer-songwriter Isla Mae explores the pull of an on-off relationship on her latest song, ‘Round and Round’. Its fictional couple promise to separate, attempt to remain friends and then fall back together despite knowing how the story usually ends.
The largely self-produced track draws on pop, indie, folk, jazz, soul and R&B. Isla considers it her most mature work so far, although the relationship at its centre comes mainly from observation rather than personal experience.
Caught in the same romantic cycle
Isla Mae recorded and produced most of ‘Round and Round’ herself, with further contributions added in the studio. The song also returns to the fictional, character-led approach of her first EP, Dancing under a Pseudonym.
The lyrics move between arguments, jealousy and renewed attraction as the couple fail to make their separation last. Winter becomes another reason to return to each other, while their broken promises suggest both characters know they are unlikely to follow their own rules.
Isla has since released the EPs Halfway to the Sun and Some Form of Art. Her songs ‘A Letter to the Moon’ and ‘Beautiful People’ appeared on Spotify’s Fresh Finds Folk editorial playlist, and her live appearances have included Camp Bestival, Cambridge Club Festival and Ely Folk Festival.
‘Round and Round’ review
Isla demonstrates an impressive vocal range across ‘Round and Round’, shifting her delivery as attraction and irritation compete for control. The performance gives the fictional relationship movement, preventing its recurring arguments from feeling static even as the couple return to the same mistakes.
The repetition promised by the title comes through most clearly in a hook that circles insistently without wearing out its welcome. It burrows into the memory, slips away and then resurfaces at unexpected moments, leaving ‘Round and Round’ circling in your head long after it ends.
You can listen here and follow Isla on Instagram.
