Haile, the British singer-songwriter and member of the North London collective WSTRN, returns with Spare Room, a deeply personal solo debut. Conceived during a period of introspection throughout the pandemic, Spare Room is a self-described “intimate capsule collection” that opens a clear window into Haile’s values, voice, and artistic foundations. Across seven tracks, the EP weaves through themes of heritage, love, faith, and healing, pairing thoughtful lyricism with warm, bass-heavy production and Haile’s textured, emotive vocal delivery.

Every track on Spare Room is produced by Haile’s brother, the celebrated producer PRGRSN, known for his work with Stormzy, Burna Boy, and others. Together, the brothers craft a rich contemporary sound that pays homage to the often-under-discussed legacy of roots reggae and lovers rock—genres that helped shape the foundation of Black British music.

The journey opens with “Big Win,” which leans into a distinctly British take on lovers rock and soft roots reggae, blended with soulful songwriting. The track reflects a shift toward catharsis and personal truth-telling, moving Haile away from the more club-oriented sound associated with WSTRN and firmly into introspective territory.

On “Pure Blue,” the theme of water is intricately woven throughout—from the title and artwork to the evocative lyrics themselves. This fluid motif creates a cohesive emotional narrative, pulling the listener deeper into Haile’s world. It’s another romantic lovers rock chune, immersive and heartfelt, offering more than just a song—it feels like a journey.

“Half Way” explores vulnerability and emotional distance, examining the delicate balance between self-improvement and mutual effort within relationships. Carefully crafted and dynamic, the track serves as a stirring anthem for anyone navigating growth and connection, reminding us that progress is rarely a solo endeavor.

The reggae-infused “Ms Gina” brings unmistakable old-school reggae vibes with a heavy lovers rock influence. Built for sound systems and summer playlists alike, the track delivers a hook that lives rent-free in your head, highlighted by the infectious lyrics: “Hey Miss Gina give all the bad fever / She say she have a thing for big deal.”

“Sativa” floats effortlessly between Afroswing, R&B, and island-inspired rhythms—warm, hazy, and hypnotic, just like its title suggests. It’s the perfect weekend soundtrack, driven by a dutty riddim, a sweet hook, and Haile’s signature blend of Grenadian and Guyanese musical influences.

With “Robin Hood,” Haile delivers a uniquely British take on romantic reggae, blending soulful R&B with lovers rock. Cool, deadly vibes ride a steady rhythmic pulse as Haile offers a melodic, introspective performance that feels both intimate and confident.

Closing out the project, “Nah.” is a quintessential example of lovers rock fused with contemporary British soul. Leaning heavily into soft roots and elegant songwriting, the track highlights Haile’s ability to glide over glossy, acoustic textures while maintaining his smooth, melodic signature.

With Spare Room, Haile steps confidently into his own lane—distinct from his WSTRN identity—offering a body of work that feels both revealing and evolutionary. Deeply personal and sonically rich, the EP captures Haile at his most reflective, grounding his artistry in the roots of his musical identity while pushing it forward into new, intimate terrain.

One Love, Todd M. Judd