Odeal – ‘The Fall That Saved Us’ EP Review: Sleek R&B That Could Dare to Be Riskier

Odeal’s sleek R&B shines on ‘The Fall That Saved Us’ EP, yet hints at an exciting potential if he dares to push boundaries further.

From Afrobeats to Sultry R&B: Odeal’s Evolution

Stepping into Odeal’s latest EP, The Fall That Saved Us, feels like settling into a plush, late-night lounge where every note is drenched in velvet. If you’ve followed this South London crooner, you know his earlier tracks burst with youthful energy—infectious afrobeats mixed with alté’s experimental flair that felt like a wild, fun ride. But over time, Odeal’s sound has matured, leaning fully into the seductive, shimmering world of R&B.

Back when he dropped last year’s Lustropolis EP, the shift to slow-burners felt like a bold detour. Now? He’s honed this lane beautifully—crafting songs drenched in emotion, perfect for those intimate, glass-of-fine-wine moments. Yet, with The Fall That Saved Us, Odeal flirts with rawer, stranger territory, teasing us with what might come next.

Groove and Glow: The Standout Tracks

Let’s talk about the heart of this EP—the songs that pull you in and make you linger.

‘Pretty Girls’ takes center stage as the focus track. It's a groovy, sultry nod to R&B forebears like D’Angelo and Joe, with jazzy drums and loose, freeform guitar strums underpinning Odeal’s fluttery, featherlight vocals. If you’ve been waiting since he teased this track earlier in the year, it’s a smooth reward—though it lands more as an easy-listening gem than an earth-shatterer.

Then, there’s ‘Molotov’, an early highlight that showcases Odeal’s witty songwriting. Here, love becomes a tense espionage thriller. With lines like:

“Are you right for me, or trifling? / If they made you wear a wire, would you hide it from me? / Would you tell them, ‘Calm down,’ and bite the bullet?”

the track simmers with tension atop shimmering harp and punchy bass, making it feel like love could explode at any moment.

Watch the official video for "Pretty Girls" here:

Upbeat Flairs Meet Bluesy Depth

Odeal knows how to spin a catchy lyric, and that knack shines through in ‘Addicted’ and ‘Blur’. Both tracks bring some much-needed upbeat flair, but with distinct vibes.

On ‘Addicted’, Odeal’s sarcasm sparkles with lines like:

“Don’t you know that I’m stingy with my love?”

The percussive, earworm-y flow here keeps the groove lively and playful.

But the real standout is ‘Blur’. It’s a bluesy, neon-lit confession booth where heartbreak feels smoky and raw, wrapped in swirling riffs and syncopated drums. This is as close as the EP gets to recapturing the experimental spirit that marked his early alté days—hinting that Odeal could expand more boldly in this direction.

Where Sultry Comfort Meets Stagnation

Odeal’s strength lies in those velvety ballads, no doubt. But some tracks on The Fall That Saved Us feel like they’re stuck in a slow, syrupy linger.

Take the opener, ‘Reason’—it’s painstakingly slow and feels stuck in a muddy emotion rather than soaring with it.

On ‘Cold World’, the minimalistic, guitar-led arrangement paints a melancholy love vignette, but it never quite blossoms beyond its initial sadness. Even when Afropop superstar WizKid steps in on ‘In The Sun’, his presence can’t fully brighten the mood. It reinforces that the EP’s real magic resides in Odeal’s solo moments of creativity and vulnerability.

Final Reflections: A Sultry Comfort Zone That Craves More

The Fall That Saved Us confirms Odeal as a master of mood and intimacy. His ability to craft a cozy, silky atmosphere is undeniable. Yet, sometimes the EP sits a bit too comfortably in that sultry world, missing chances to push the envelope.

When Odeal leans into his playful vulnerability and sharp lyricism, the EP truly sparkles. But those moments are sometimes sandwiched between meandering ballads and mellow theatrics that don't quite ignite.

If Odeal dares to embrace that raw, off-kilter edge more fully in the future, his next chapter could be his most thrilling yet. For now, The Fall That Saved Us feels like a beautiful but cautious step forward—a sleek R&B journey that just might risk more next time.

Details

• Record label: OVMBR / LVRN Records
• Release date: November 21, 2025

FAQ

• What style of music does Odeal explore in ‘The Fall That Saved Us’?
  Odeal delves into sleek, sultry R&B with touches of jazzy and bluesy elements, marking a matured evolution from his earlier afrobeats and alté-infused sound.
• Which track is considered the standout single on the EP?
  ‘Pretty Girls’ is the focus track, noted for its groovy, smooth vibe that echoes classic R&B influences like D’Angelo and Joe.
• How does ‘Molotov’ differ from the other songs?
  ‘Molotov’ stands out for its clever, metaphor-rich lyrics framing love as a dangerous game, paired with shimmering harp and bass that create tension and intrigue.
• Does the EP feature any collaborations?
  Yes, Afropop star WizKid features on ‘In The Sun,’ adding his signature touch, though the track maintains the EP’s overall mellow tone.
• What is a key critique of the EP?
  While the EP excels in mood and intimacy, it sometimes feels too comfortable and slow, missing opportunities for bolder experimentation and risk-taking.

For fans who appreciate Odeal’s vibe, why not bring that mood home? Shop your favorite album cover poster at Architeg Prints and keep the music alive on your walls.