Domi Hawken – Water and the Wine (2025)
London singer-songwriter Domi Hawken’s latest EP, Water and the Wine, delivers an impressive evolution of her dark poetic style, moving beyond the solo-driven approach of her debut into more collaborative territory.
The three-track collection opens with the brilliant title track, which instantly grabs attention with its vintage rock sensibilities. The song feels like a lost gem from the 60s/70s era, but with modern production values that give it unexpected punch. ‘The Moment I Need You The Most’ might be the EP’s most unsettling offering. What begins as a seemingly straightforward meditation on longing gradually unravels into something far more disturbing – a portrait of obsession that borders on psychological horror. Hawken’s vocal performance deserves special mention here, as she shifts seamlessly between vulnerable whispers and frantic intensity, mirroring the protagonist’s unstable mental state.
The closing track ‘123’ provides welcome respite with its stripped-back folk arrangement. After the intensity of the preceding songs, this bare-bones approach feels like a breath of fresh air. The Lumineers-esque group vocals add warmth without sacrificing the emotional honesty that makes the track work.
What is most impressive is how this EP showcases Hawken’s growth as a collaborator. By inviting bandmates Matt Robson, Cyprien Jacquet, and Kobi Pham deeper into the creative process, she’s discovered new dimensions to her sound while maintaining her distinctive voice. The influence of artists like Arctic Monkeys and Lana Del Rey remains apparent, but Hawken now sounds more comfortable forging her own path rather than following in their footsteps.
The EP also benefits from Hawken’s diverse musical upbringing. Her father’s eclectic tastes – “from Black Sabbath to Beethoven” as she notes – have clearly informed her willingness to traverse genre boundaries. This musical omnivory allows her to weave together seemingly disparate elements into cohesive, compelling songs that defy easy categorisation. If Water and the Wine represents the direction Hawken is headed with her promised second 2025 release, she’s well on her way to becoming one of the most intriguing voices in London’s indie scene.
Find out more about Domi Hawken on her Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
