Born in Texas and now based in Los Angeles, 23-year-old Chance Penã certainly isn’t a newcomer to the scene. He’s been releasing since 2017, and in the six years that have passed we have witnessed an acute artistic progression from the artist. His debut EP, “anxiety & mixed emotions” was an emotionally resonant and thematically sprawling body of work, followed by a stylistic consolidation sophomore, “The Inevitable” three years ago. Increasingly creatively nuanced and commercially viable, Penã has his sights set on global recognition, and with his newly released third EP “Lovers to Strangers”, he might just achieve such an accolade.

The four track project is an intimate, deeply provoking collection of folk-pop cuts that draw the listener into the powerful and heartfelt narratives of Penã. The opening title track is anthemic yet shattering, with its uplifting acoustic guitar lead juxtaposing the desperation in the singer’s tone and lyricism, whilst the second track “Long Lost Lover” is more subdued and atmospheric, showcasing the depth of Penã’s style. “break up song” is perhaps the standout offering; delicate and Bon Iverian, it’s a quietly encompassing and sublime ballad that pierces the soul. The finale is last year’s towering single “In My Room”, a track that achieves TikTok virality and sounds comfortably at home as the climatic moment of this terrific EP.

On the release of the EP, Penã comments, “I’m ready to share this part of me, so that I can move on,” he says. “I hope that these songs help somebody – that these lessons learned can help them deal with the things in their own lives, whatever that may be. At the end of the day, when I put a song out, it’s no longer mine – it’s yours.”

Listen to the full EP…