Enters Soul Gaze, the new project pairing Miki Agrawal, an innovator par excellence, and singer Happie Hoffman. Their new album, It All Exists, involves visceral explorations — both personal and musical. Gene Evaro Jr. was involved in the production of the ten tracks that make up this album.

It All Exists follows Miki’s divorce and brings to the fore her personal journey of love, loss and renewal. The candid lyrics are both sung and spoken, adding much depth to the songs. Sonically, the album can be described as experimental pop.

“Fire” marks the height of euphoria that this project reaches. You’ll immediately be enchanted by the tropical-influenced percussive rhythms, something that you’ll find, in varying degree, in the other songs. Its infectious melodies are matched by Happie’s rapturous chorus and Miki’s poetry.

Equally blissful is “The Queen” with its self-exultant energy — there’s a shade of sarcasm in the lyrics though. You get hints of tension amidst bold statements of self-worth.

Did I say this album flows smoothly from one song to the next, and that these two songs form the middle part? Well, let’s start from the beginning.

“Antarctica” appreciates the beauty of nature, in particular, the icy continent. The harmony-filled track is about the liberating feeling which connecting with nature gives you. “Do Less Be More” further emphasizes this by urging us to be more alive to the present moment. The guitars augment the yearnful feeling of the song.

“Fire” expresses the fiery enthusiasm and creativity within, which is contrasted with the cold from outside that the body is fighting. “The Queen” welcomes all emotions, even those far from ideal.

It All Exists is quite nuanced, in terms of the perspectives it offers. Love encompasses various stages and each song shares Miki Agrawal’s personal account. “Six Little Words” is passionate, “Fart in the Wind” is humorous, while “Juice” is an ode to the power that flows within.

All in all, personal growth is a journey worth embarking on. “Changed”, the track concluding the album, fully embraces this mantra. Sometimes, transformation (in whichever facet of life) comes through pain. This means one needs resilience and a positive attitude to live through a challenging process. It All Exists is a demonstration of what is possible.

Connect with artists on Instagram: Miki Agrawal || Happie Hoffman || Gene Evaro Jr.

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