Nian Tong’s new EP Gradually delves into the universal feelings of heartbreak. Originally from China, the new release was written during his first year in London, and speaks about unresolved emotions, with the music mirroring the rollercoaster that he felt during a certain romance.

One of the tracks, “What’s On Your Mind,” opens things with a blend of old and new, pairing vintage textures with a more contemporary rhythm, setting the tone for what follows. That contrast runs throughout the EP with “I Shouldn’t Have Talked to You” pulling things right back, and focusing on the moment itself without overcomplicating it. The title track starts to feel more settled, like things are slowly falling into place and even when the production opens up, there’s still a sense that the emotions behind it haven’t fully gone away.

By the time “Whatever You Do” closes the EP, there’s a subtle lift in mood, but still a haze of uncertainty. Tong doesn’t try to pretend he has all the answers and that’s what makes Gradually feel honest and relatable. It captures the in-between, grey area which is often not spoken about and by doing so, Tong has created an EP which is totally human and authentic.