Unique indie artist, Felly, has a 2023 EP titled, “I had a beautiful time, now I have to leave,” which embodies the pure essence of the duality of life and time. It just sounds like a summer vacation and the drive home afterward.
The EP splits itself into two halves, the former feeling like the celebration of the current moment, and the latter, sorrow of having to depart.
On the first track of six, “Whatever Comes My Way” feels exactly like the moment of arrival to your long-desired destination. Felly, repeating the statement, “Whatever comes, whatever comes, let it come my way,” displays the optimistic sentiment of someone free and open to new opportunities.
“Cherry” continues this cheerful trend with its warm and bubbly production, its soft strings and mellow synths reminiscent of a hug from your loved one. This second track is by far the most comforting song on the record and can’t help but remind you of late nights with people you hold close.
The final track of the first, more joyous half, “There’s no Other,” starts to mourn the future departure of the current moment, though the moment has not yet passed. With the slide guitar and synths weeping behind the ambivalent guitar melody, Felly mimics their despondence with the lines, “Do you know what it’s like to leave someone? / Since we were young, where you’d go I would run, but it’s all been undone. / Really no need to be so apart.”
Leading the second half of the record, “two lonely people and the sea” begins the departure from the moment, dejected and lonely but building and beautiful. This fourth track feels like watching the sun set on your destination’s horizon for the final time.
“I woke up and cried” picks itself up from the gloom previous tracks felt and represents the first smile after it all. Felly’s lyrics on this song follow its melodical motif as he acknowledges his personal struggles and attempts to turn them around, singing, “I lied and said I had some plans / Put limits on the time I’ll spend / In fear that I might have a good time / But let’s have a good time.”
The record’s final track “Beautiful Day” completely flips the somber trend of the past three tracks on its head with its overjoyed production and lyrics. On this closing track, Felly is aware of his previous shortcomings and attempts to motivate himself and others with his lyrics, “My my, my my / Trying to hold tight while the hands of time are slipping / Bye-bye, bye-bye / But the future’s looking bright if you open up your eyes / Hey, it’s a beautiful day / don’t you wait for a life time / to watch it all slip away.”
“I had a beautiful time, now I have to leave” is a self-explanatory title for its lovely tracks which subtly detail the process of loving, living, and then moving forward.
Altogether, I would give “I had a beautiful time, now I have to leave” a strong 8.5.
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