Artist Spotlight - Manka 'Either way' Single Review
Manka Finds the Freedom in Finally Letting Go on “Either way”
Manka absolutely nails one of the most overlooked moments in heartbreak with “Either way”, that subtle shift when sadness starts to fade and you realize your heart just isn’t holding on like it used to. The track glows in the sad-girl indie-pop universe, but there’s a gentle lift beneath the melancholy. Instead of making the end of a relationship feel heavy or dramatic, Manka lets the song breathe in that delicate space where disappointment quietly transforms into distance, and distance gently opens the door to freedom.
The production is a perfect match for that emotional shift. Acoustic guitar, gentle percussion, soft synths, and those dreamy vocal layers wrap the song in a cozy bedroom-pop vibe, but it never feels boxed in. Lost in the Manor picked up on the soft vocals, shimmering guitars, shakers, and those atmospheric background voices that float through the track, giving “Either way” its warm, almost weightless glow. There’s a touch of melancholy, but it never lingers too long. Instead, the music feels like a fresh breeze coming through an open window after you’ve been stuck in a room that’s gotten way too heavy.
That’s exactly why “Either way” hits home. Moving on is never as simple as pretending someone never mattered. You can still catch yourself remembering, wondering what they’re up to, or feeling that little sting of what might have been, even as you know deep down the connection just wasn’t right anymore. Manka captures that messy, beautiful contradiction without trying to tie it up too neatly. There’s real freedom in realizing those old questions just don’t hold the same weight anymore.
Fans of Gracie Abrams, ClaiIf you love Gracie Abrams, Clairo, or the introspective side of Taylor Swift, you’ll definitely find something familiar in Manka’s confessional style and understated production. But what’s really exciting is how she’s carving out her own lane as a songwriter. Her earlier single “So Over” was a Teen finalist in the 2024 UK Songwriting Contest; a huge nod to her talent for turning tangled emotions into pop songs that feel honest and instantly relatable. The song does not need a huge culmination or final word to communicate growth. Its softness is the point. Manka allows the relationship to shrink in importance as the song moves forward, replacing emotional heaviness with something calmer and more self-assured.
“Either way” is dreamy, feminine, and reflective indie pop with a gorgeous sense of emotional release. It’s the kind of song that sneaks up on you, becoming the soundtrack to that moment you realize you’ve already started moving on—sometimes before you even know it.
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