For Molly Stone, gentleness has never meant meekness. Her new EP, The Softies, is a four-track exploration of intimacy and emotional clarity, and it finds Stone in a space of subtle, purposeful reflection. Known for her capacity to weave humor and honesty into delicate melodies, she strips back the instrumentation here, letting the songs’ vulnerability come forward in crisp, unadorned fashion.
The EP’s conception is as deliberate as its execution. Stone explains that she collected her softer songs over the years and decided to release them together as a cohesive set. This decision reflects an artist increasingly confident in her ability to convey complexity through restraint — a quality that runs through each moment of The Softies.
Tracks like “Maybe I’m a Handful” and “Glitter” exemplify this balance. While the melodies are gentle and inviting, the lyrical observations carry a sharp edge. Stone’s voice — warm, crystalline, and expressive — navigates these emotional layers effortlessly, drawing listeners into her world with both tenderness and wit.
“You Left So Suddenly” is the EP’s most intimate moment, a reflection on loss delivered with grace and careful control. The track proves that Stone can explore weighty subjects without overwhelming her listeners, crafting music that is emotionally resonant without tipping into sentimentality.
The final track, “I Just Wanna Give You Love”, featuring Nathan Thomas, radiates a quiet optimism. Its lush harmonies and gentle instrumentation leave a lingering sense of connection and hope, rounding out an EP that balances introspection with moments of warmth.
At just over 13 minutes, The Softies is a concise but profound listen. Molly Stone demonstrates that gentleness can be powerful, that intimacy can be commanding, and that the quietest statements often carry the deepest impact.