Putting aside the obvious advantages of being the offspring of Hollywood actors Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman, the 25-year-old Stranger Things actress and singer-songwriter’s third album is packed with gems - witty, kooky and original. There are echoes in the New Yorker of influences from Fiona Apple to Joni Mitchell, and naturally film and TV references abound in work by an artist completely upfront about her situation of privilege and exposure to that culture, but arguably still producing work that’s worth anyone’s time on its own merits. Highlights include the beautiful melody and lyrics of Missing Out - a double-edged commentary about her ‘nepo baby’ situation - “But I was born with my foot in thе door / And my mind in the gutter and my guts on the floor / Holdin' thе party line / Embarrassed all the time.” Dark has particularly cutting lyrics about a bad relationship - “Tried to let you forget me but / My Celtic cross was heavy / When it hit your fucking teeth.” Big Idea meanwhile parodies the idea of trying to be original: “I love TV sitcoms and soap operas / Cliffhanger, rerun courtroom dramas / All intelligence is artificial / We're just making love on a ballistic missile.” Other songs to enjoy include the delicate opener Black Ice, Hang In There, and the closing title track. Pretty, privileged, but also sharp and full of emotions, there’s much to enjoy here with a clear, pure voice and an undeniably curious mind and songwriting talent. Out on Mom+Pop Records.
New to comment? It is quick and easy. You just need to login to Disqus once. All is explained in About/FAQs ...
Feel free to recommend more new albums and comment below. You can also use the contact page, or find more on social media: Song Bar Twitter, Song Bar Facebook. Song Bar YouTube, and Song Bar Instagram. Please subscribe, follow and share.
Song Bar is non-profit and is simply about sharing great music. We don’t do clickbait or advertisements. Please make any donation to help keep the Bar running: