Last month, Atlanta native and alternative-pop singer-songwriter Maria Deirisarri released her debut EP, Si Vis Pacem.
The five-song EP features a distinctive blend of bossa nova, folk, and alternative influences, with lyrics emphasizing the importance of peace and the journey it takes to achieve it.
Si Vis Pacem, which translates to “if you want peace”, opens with “Parabellum” (featuring Corey Kilgannon), which was captured live in a single take preserving the intimacy of the moment, as well as showcasing Deirisarri’s vocal abilities. The track opens with light conversation and unfiltered laughter, setting the tone before the acoustic guitar gently comes in. This organic intro draws the listener in and invites you to keep listening.
The next track we hear, titled “bluejay,” fully embraces the bossa nova vibe, with a gentle flow and delicate guitar lines. The track captures the story of a short-lived summer romance, and the conflicting emotions that come with it, with lyrics describing what it is like to “be preparing for a goodbye.” Aside from the storytelling, this track also captures the songwriter’s vocal abilities with beautiful riffs and runs subtly placed throughout the song.
“And I’ll Fly” is the next track on Si Vis Pacem, where the intro softly comes in with light acoustic guitar and a subtle piano counter-melody, paired with lyrics that emphasize the beauty of the stillness in nature.
The lyrics and vivid scenes of shivering sea and faithful forest are very well paired with the hypnotic piano melody and the slow, minimal percussion in the background. The accompanying music video to this track further sets the tone of the song, with visuals of the forest and mountain ranges on a cloudy day.
Being her debut EP, Si Vis Pacem sets a new marker in Maria Deirisarri’s ascending music career. This project is representative of an exciting new chapter in her trajectory, where you can see her step into a new era with her intimate and tender music.
