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Photo: Sam Williams

Platinum-certified NYC-based duo Cafuné, comprised of singer-songwriter Sedona Schat and writer and producer Noah Yoo, continue to build out the world they established on their 2015 debut EP Love Songs for Other People with the release of their new EP Love Songs for the End. Written between their first-ever tours, juggling the surreal mix of professional highs and personal struggles that defined that period, the five-track body of work sees the pair explore various "ends," with Yoo referring to "this phase of our lives, our naïveté, the general state of things."

"As we wrote this EP, we realized that everything is always ending - in the world at large, within each of our lives," shared the duo. "We hope listening to these songs ease your journeys because writing them definitely helped unburden our own."

The record opens with back-to-back standout tracks, featuring the previously released "Unchained Memory," "Demise," and "Perspective." Framed with glitching vocals and warm sonics reminiscent of a setting sun, the former of the trio of singles explores themes of nostalgia, longing, and the struggle to let go of a past love. This brooding blend soon makes a hard pivot on "Demise." With its summery guitar riffs and a blend of upbeat, cheery tambourine, and percussion patterns, Schat's warm, expressive vocals see her admit to the listener that her inner voice keeps her from living her life and making choices. Over thumping kick drums and intricate instrumentation, she begs the question, "Tell me why / I love to overcomplicate my stupid little life," and wonders why she returns to habits that only serve to complicate her life.

New release "Shadowboxing" is a twinkly, dreamy anthem that sees Schat stand up to someone attempting to define who she can be and how she should love herself. She sings the biting line, "There's no future with you / Shadowboxing with you," as Yoo seamlessly blends layer upon layer of delicious, dance-inducing sleek synths and beats, catchy pop guitar riffs, and head-bobbing bass. Lush and full of sonic texture, the track's lyrics ooze with independence and ultimately is the kind of song listeners can play on repeat as they hype themselves up and remind themselves that they are worthy of love.

The EP's closer, "Dead 2 Me (So Naive)," slows things down with its mellow disposition. At first, Schat reminiscences on a past love, how they spent their days together making coffee, and how they would touch her face. But despite the tender moments they shared, she also remembers how neglectful and careless they were with her heart and how her partner "invented" her. With the power of hindsight, she realizes she was blinded by her naivety and accepts how much better off she is now without them as hope-tinged instrumentals swell in the background of her soaring vocals.

Although Love Songs for the End's through line is ultimately about "the end," it's also about the beginning, metaphorically and literally. This collection, the first from Cafuné since their signing to Elektra Entertainment and the release of their 2021 debut album, Running, shows how much time and experience have refined their abilities as musicians, creating a project that feels deeply personal yet universal to the experience of anyone who is still figuring life out. Ending on the theme of leaving naivety behind and becoming a more actualized and independent being, Cafuné enters the next phase of their artistry with open eyes and hearts. 

Listen to Love Songs for the End below: