Mid Air Review: Romy Shows Artistic Growth on an Introspective and Beautifully Queer Debut Record

By Dylan Mann-Hazell, Content Writer at myGwork.

Romy, known as one-third of the critically acclaimed British band The xx, has stepped out on her own with her debut solo album, "Mid Air." Breaking away from the ambient indie-pop sound indicative of the band’s catalogue of work, Romy explores new areas of music, displaying artistic growth on this introspective and beautifully queer debut record.

Image Credit: Tuomas Vitikainen

The album's opening track, ‘Loveher’ immediately sets the tone with its stripped-down instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics, showing a more vulnerable side to Romy perhaps we’ve ever seen before. Her emotive delivery draws listeners into her world and establishes a deep connection that’s maintained throughout the album, as the track builds in momentum. She sings towards her lover about showing intimacy in private, reassuring her that she has no concerns with being seen as queer, but that she wants aspects of the relationship to remain just between them. “Hold my hand under the table/It's not that I'm not proud in the company of strangers/It's just some things are for us”.

A particular standout moment on the record comes in the form of the somewhat haunting second track, ‘Weightless’, a song about learning to embrace all emotions in life, good and bad. It helps establish the pace and theme of the record – though that’s not to say every track is similar.

‘One Last Try and lead single ‘Strong (ft. Fred again..)’ showcase her ability to craft infectious, dance-infused melodies that are catchy, thought-provoking, and inspiring