Priestess Delivers A Pleasingly Cathartic Collection Of Songs On EP 'Shopping For Smiles'

priestess (lower case name and songs, always) is a new artist on the musical block who brings a clued up Gen Z take on relationships and advocates a committed openness by way of sharing experiences to help others and find solidarity. The new EP 'shopping for smiles' embodies this perfectly.

Opening track 'like me and you' is your archetypal crush, and an ode to unrequited love and all the cringey misunderstandings and rejections that ensue. (We've all been there, right?) Sonically, the track evokes a very retro indie take, with the 80's early U2-esque guitars punctuating this song. Quite honestly, it would not be out of place on an 1980's film about adolescence and is massively catchy, to boot.

Next track 'sea u n tea' (see what she did there?) is a naughty nod to the 'c u next Tuesday' word and is about cathartically venting out pent up anger at a betrayal from someone close. One could imagine this would be a Billie Eilish type crowd pleaser in a live setting with arms waving side to side during the hook. The vibe of this track is a retro indie feel but is still very popp-ily punctuated with drum beat/synths vibe.

'rewind' is about a first true love: untimely and ill-fated. This feels very personal, underscoring the vulnerability and bravery of the artist to share her soulfully sad heartbreak. Acoustic guitars and breathy vocals lend to that feeling of wistful introspection.

'the ick'is a waaaaaaaay more light hearted, merry alt-pop punk tale of dating in the modern world: where dating profiles are usually a load of cobblers and sometimes downright 'icky', hence the title of the track. Very catchy, boppy and very radio friendly. Avril Lavigne wishes she wrote this.

Finally we have the darkest and most emo of the tracks in 'frankenstein heart' which is about repeatedly exposing one's vulnerability to risk (heartbreak etc) and having to dismantle and put yourself back together again and again in an endless loop throughout life. Yes it is dark but definitely not negative: it advocates personal courage and not hiding from rejection (kinda 'feel the fear and do it anyway', 'what doesn't kill you.. etc etc'). Wise words from someone still in her early 20's. The gentle guitar driven melodies are quite gorgeous and flow smoothly with vocal harmonies in the chorus.

The 'shopping for smiles' EP showcases an artist exploring her own emotions and thoughts, and inviting fans to share, identify with and be equally as open about their lives. It is as pleasing a concept as it is on the ears. It is like having a session with a close pal to vent and purge and then finding resolution and calm. I am here for that. Recommend.

COMMENTS