Hazel Rose Notes on Isolation in 'Odd One Out'

London-based artist Hazel Rose defies genre-constrains with her unique take on melodic pop that sits adjacent to acts such as Brooke Combe and Joy Crookes.

First emerging in 2022 with her debut single 'Scream', Rose has since released a number of tracks, and two EP's - the latest of which being 2023's well-received '10,000ft'. 

Shaped by Amy Winehouse's 'Back To Black' Rose's discography sees her taking inspiration from a vast pool of artists, from Fleetwood Mac's folk-infusions to the stripped back musings of Billie Eilish's earlier tracks.

Her latest venture into delicate pop, the intricate 'Odd One Out', sees Rose yearning for a sense of belonging amongst overwhelming isolation ("in a crowd of likeminded minds, spotlight on the odd one out"). Societal expectations is a narrative that reigns throughout, and sees Rose engaged in both a musical, and personal tug of war, the opposing sides being authenticity and conformity ("should I be someone else? // to please everybody else?"). 

Talking on the track, she notes; "[it's about] yearning to discover a sense of belonging in the midst of the crowd... the lyrics vividly portray my internal turmoil, questioning whether my appearance and actions are responsible for my perceived detachment".

'Odd One Out' boasts delicate vocals, delightfully layered instrumentation and infectious bass-beats that make for a well-rounded, mature offering from the overtly passionate singer-songwriter. The track also features reverbs similar to Eilish's 'bury a friend' and ultimately declines to be confined to a singular genre.

The track is plucked from her upcoming EP ('Soft Whispers In A Crowded Room'), that Rose has earmarked as her new chapter. 'Odd One Out' is an impressive addition to Hazel Rose's already expansive discography. 

Lana Williams

@swimdeeplana

Image: 'Odd One Out' Official Single Cover