As a fan of indie music, I understand how rare it is to hear the music I listen to on mainstream radio. As cloyingly sweet and auto-tuned pop music tends to overtake the airwaves, a break from that is as refreshing as a breath of outdoor air after a day stuck inside. During 2014, the zephyrs of fresh British indie pop sound took over the U.S. radios. George Ezra’s song ‘Budapest’ got the listeners of Ariana Grande, One Direction, and Katy Perry to relax to the smooth sounds of Erza offering to give up all his wealth and “leave it all” for you. The deep timbre and perfect tonality of his voice invigorated listeners and kept him topping charts in the US, Australia, the UK, and nations across Europe. Erza’s new album, Staying at Tamara’s, is poised to have a same refreshing affect on out saturated air waves.

With the summer-y sounding songs of “Don’t Matter Now” and “Shotgun,” he reminds of the freedom of warm weather and vacations, these hits can certainly make waves as warmer weather rolls around. The songs “The Beautiful Dream,” “Hold My Girl,” “Sugarcoat,” and “All My Love,” give us Budapest-reminiscent songs of the beauty of true love and giving all of yourself to another. And these pleasant songs aren’t the only theme of the album.

He keeps conscious of the fear and stress that often overcomes people in the modern era. In his song “Pretty Shining People,” his clear, rich voice rings out melodically “‘He said, “Why why,/ what a terrible time to be alive/ If you’re prone to over thinking and/ Why why, what a terrible time to be alive/ If you’re prone to second guessing” and/ Hey pretty smiling people/ We’re alright together, we’re alright together,” followed by reminders that all we need is love and repetitions of the idea that if we stick together, everything will be okay. This is a great reminder for those upset by political culture, love will get us through in the time of fear.  The second-to-last song, “Only a Human,” on the album reminds us that despite our mistakes, you “can’t blame yourself/ you’re just human,” a pertinent message to those growing up in an era of perceived perfection on social media.

HIs songs are relatable, generally upbeat, and have a positive message for the masses. Combined with his songs reminiscent of  summer weather, George Ezra’s Staying at Tamara’s is another smashing success for the young brit. Maybe once again I will hear the refreshing sounds of raw instruments, rich vocals, and summer sounds on the radio.