Describing the latest EP "bite it back" from Finn O'Sullivan as just 'enticing' would be an understatement— the emerging singer-songwriter masterfully pens lyrics that are generously immersive, encasing the words in soporific renditions and subtle compositions that grab attention with nuanced sonic tidbits. Over three tracks, she captures the universal feelings of desire and the apprehension that comes with it proficiently; it's short and sweet, thus compelling us to write more about it.
The Colorado-based songstress's flair for musicality has turned heads over the years since her debut in 2018: having been inspired by pop-music behemoths like Taylor Swift at a budding age, her efforts have earned esteemed achievements such as winning the "Song of the Year" in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, and also getting acknowledged by Rolling Stone's former managing editor John Dioso as "a lovechild of Phoebe Bridgers and Taylor Swift." An independent and solo endeavor, Finn embraces the indie spirit by being a polymath— "bite it back" was meticulously put together by herself, instrumentation and all.
Her proactive approach to music is self-evident when examining her discography: this year, she has already unveiled another EP, "Best Last Words" (which was later followed up by a "Director's Cut" version, containing two more bonus tracks). It revolves around her heartbreak caused by a 'film bro' (a know-it-all cinephile), as the songs point out the shallowness of said character.
The opener "do something!" ensnares with layered and tempting vocals, light-hearted and buoyant in its demeanor. The love-smitten lyricism is supplemented by low-key guitars, made cadent by sustained drums that impart a lively groove to this tongue-in-cheek number. The titular track plays right after— catharsis and yearning brims in this ruminative track, paired with a stripped-back ensemble consisting of solemn pianoforte and angsty, intense rendition (as the verses confess "I wanna crush you beneath my heels//Till you are nothing but dust"), albeit the main chorus is an ear-candy with the inclusion of whispery adlibs. Serving as the final act, "tame me/say it back" is a sultry ballad in which the vocalist wants nothing but to be with her crush— all the while concealing the anxiety of being turned down— capturing an overwhelming sense of fragility and tenderness.
Comments