After several years of excellent EPs and singles such as Drive, a much anticipated and strong rock-pop debut by the London singer-songwriter (aka Gretel Hänlyn, real name Madeleine Haenlein), who delivers catchy, energising numbers, here themed around wanting the warmly craved feelings of love, lust and relationships, but also finding overwhelming of being squashed and consumed by them. The title track and opener starts with a slow, richly deep-voiced intro before launching into a pumping explosive, ecstatic fast-strum indie rock: “All I want is to be squished by you … to be drowned in love!” she declares. Another standout is the rich meaty, shoegaze of Unbloom, with distinct echoes and influences of Sonic Youth and on which her voice really soars, the wistful catchy Fire Blooming Trees; the dramatic, dynamic pace-changing, passionate Darkness, Be My Friend; the echoes of Radiohead guitar riff of Oh Well; the thumping, galloping fire of Witch Hunt, to the poignant, candid but also melancholy pop finale about eating disorder and body dysmorphia, The Perfect Body (“When I die, give me the perfect body / Make the one in the mirror look happy”). Dynamic, stirring, emotional, Gretel has a real talent for dynamic indie sounds and pop melody. Out Breadcrumb Records / AWAL.
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