Joshua Idehen’s EP 'Mum Does The Washing' Is A Poetic Journey Through Love and Survival

Joshua Idehen’s EP ‘Mum Does The Washing‘ is a masterclass in blending poetry, music, and storytelling, offering a beautiful meditation on love, survival, and identity. Across its four tracks, Idehen’s spoken word artistry intertwines seamlessly with producer Ludvig Parment’s innovative soundscapes.

The EP opens with its title track, “Mum Does The Washing“, a vivid and humorous homage to a mother’s wisdom. Through Idehen’s signature poetic lens, mundane chores become a metaphor for navigating life’s challenges. Delivered with warmth and wit, this piece balances the personal and the universal, resonating deeply with listeners. It’s no surprise that the track has already found favor with tastemakers like Jamz Supernova and Huw Stephens.

“Could Be Forever” shifts the tone, exploring themes of self-sacrificing love through two poignant real-life stories. Idehen’s tender narration honors individuals who quietly endure, driven by devotion to their loved ones. Backed by a slow-burning, evocative arrangement, the track feels both intimate and expansive, offering a lens into a love that is at once humble and awe-inspiring.

The EP’s focus track, “Tactics For Survival”, is an introspective triumph. Anchored by Hanakiv’s haunting piano motif, the song gradually evolves into a meditative indie-dance anthem. Written during the pandemic, it reflects on the myriad ways people cope under pressure, and the tension between despair and resilience.

The EP closes with a reimagining of Talking Heads’ “Once In A Lifetime“. Idehen infuses the iconic track with new life, layering gospel-inspired vocals over pulsing instrumentation. His take is both reverent and innovative, capturing the existential questioning of the original while rooting it in his own journey. It’s an uplifting, cathartic conclusion to a record that explores the complexities of human existence.

At its core, ‘Mum Does The Washing’ is a celebration of life’s dualities—its struggles and triumphs, its beauty and imperfection. Idehen’s poetry is as striking as ever, and the collaboration with Ludvig Parment provides a rich musical backdrop that enhances his words without overshadowing them.