A gut-wrenchingly personal song that still finds a universality in its topic, Kayla Oh’s touching and painful performance on “Self Defense” showcases a songwriter who’s got a maturity and sincerity that’s special. Writing about her first relationship from a retrospective place, Kayla takes you through the motions and retraces memories she once thought was special as coated in mistreatment in reality. The subtlety of the acoustic guitar adds layers to Oh’s ever so poignant vocal performance. It’s almost a lesson in growth, a moment for Kayla to really feel and have her own catharsis or release and process an experience that’s weighed her down as she grows old. And, despite it’s ever so personal touch, it’s a feeling that many can relate to.
