Review: "Devotion" EP by Johnathan O’Gilvie
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“Devotion” is the debut EP from Orlando R&B singer-songwriter/instrumentalist/producer Johnathan O’Gilvie. Consisting of 4 tracks, each under 2 ½ minutes, this EP tells a loose narrative of Johnathan’s devotion to an old flame.
On the bouncy, trap-based opening track “Cater 2 U”, emotions are reignited when Johnathan runs into his ex. Though she’s indecisive in terms of letting him back into her life, Johnathan assures her that he’ll always be there for her.
The following track “Favorite Song” has a smooth, relaxed beat, giving the impression that Johnathan and this woman have re-settled into their relationship. He eases the doubts and concerns she has on her mind by referencing lines from popular love songs, like the TIMELESS Mario song “Just a Friend”, most of which he interpolates in the second verse.
We then get the aptly-titled “Bad Shape” where, over a forlorn, nocturnal beat, Johnathan sings about how their relationship has gone south. In a powerfully self-aware moment, Johnathan tells his soon-to-be-ex on the hook that he doesn’t want her to suffer further in the relationship. He may see himself “in the right” of their current situation, but he’s not going to tie her down and make her feel unhappy.
On the closer “Trophy x Trophy”, with its moody yet slightly upbeat and hopeful instrumental, Johnathan chooses to compliment his ex on the strong, independent woman that she is instead of condemning her for the failed relationship. She’s already a “trophy”, and on the hook, Johnathan warns the next man to come into her life to treat her as such.
In the end, I found myself really enjoying this EP. It’s short, sweet and concise, with STELLAR vocal performances by Johnathan O’Gilvie, solid production and a highly-relatable, emotionally resonant narrative. I suspect this EP is designed to hold the world over until we get a full-length album from Johnathan, but in the meantime, if you’re looking for a little depth and meaning in your contemporary R&B and soul, I recommend giving “Devotion” a listen.