Begonia - “It’s Too Quiet”

SXSW 2022 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 6

Pairs Well With…Celeste, Summer Walker, Phantogram

Begonia has strung together a series of solid singles since her 2019 debut Fear, notably exploring different components of the genre, throwback R&B, neo-soul, and electronic pop included. Interestingly, Begonia sounds best in the cleanest moments of her songs, letting her natural, rich vocals reverberate with controlled passion. “Bus” throws back to warm, 80s synth-pop, lush bedroom vibes (“Heaven”) and contemplative soul in “It’s Too Quiet” rounding out an artist trying on different soul shoes at this moment in her career. (Kevin McStravick)

2020 Review: Begonia evolves a classic new-soul sound into contemporary, electronic R&B realms on Fear, the Canadian artist’s debut full-length released last fall. Begonia’s voice is an ultra-rich soul instrument (skip to “The Other Side” for an impressive display of range and power), dynamic especially in the softer moments throughout Fear and rightly taking lead melody over her often dreamy, trip hop grooves. More mysterious than outright pop-oriented, Begonia smartly holds back to let her music float rather than overpower with hooks and melody.