A peppy rock invigoration stirs throughout Rebecca, a stellar new EP from Blenko. The Manningtree, England-based artist, aka Rebecca Simmonds, was previously the frontwoman of Anna’s Bones — and now continues to impress with this solo project’s debut EP.
Aspects of the human condition are artfully explored within a hooky rock vigor, with this EP capturing the variety within life — from personal tumult to lovely amusement. In that context especially, Blenko cites Leonard Cohen as a notable inspiration. “Cohen’s blend of darkness and dry wit has always touched me profoundly,” she says, also noting Suzanne Vega, Talking Heads, and Joan Armatrading as influences.
EP track “Through Your Teeth” caught our ears last year with its infectious rock wit, and the rest of Rebecca enamors with similarly strong songwriting. The EP’s title track is especially consuming, commencing with a call-out to the titular name as vibrant guitar buzzing aligns with a dynamic range of vocals, from spirited and anthemic to lushly introspective. Elsewhere, “Moonlight” showcases the project’s dreamier inclinations, rising seamlessly from folk-friendly intrigue into a gorgeously lush dream-pop entrancement. Rebecca is a fantastic, immersive EP from Blenko.
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“Rebecca” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
