GRAE evinces no interest in your lacklustre apologies. "I guess you believe you're replacing me / Everybody says she looks just like me," sighs the emerging Toronto-born singer on her EP's title track. The lyric plays as a smug kiss-off, sure, but one that's reflective of New Girl as a whole — a collection of throbbing, moody pop ditties that walk the line between rebelling against and revelling in slinky, emotional honesty.
Cushioned by hums and soft snaps, the slickly produced "Woman's World" pointedly tackles catcalling and street harassment over an R&B lilt that complements GRAE's breathy, smoky vocals, while the catchy ethereality of "Fade to Black" shimmers like a lost King Princess cut.
"Your Hands" is spottily engaging, hewing closely to a playbook of restrained lyricism, "I'm not your brand new toy / Don't call me baby." Moments like these prove that GRAE doesn't need to be amped up one iota higher; her smart, impactful lyrics fizzle beneath arrangements of shuddering pianos and drum machines.
New Girl is modern without trying too hard to be, and it feels full-bodied even if it may be musically sparse. At only 20 years old, GRAE is bit-by-bit establishing herself as a pop star worthy of greater attention.
(Independent)Cushioned by hums and soft snaps, the slickly produced "Woman's World" pointedly tackles catcalling and street harassment over an R&B lilt that complements GRAE's breathy, smoky vocals, while the catchy ethereality of "Fade to Black" shimmers like a lost King Princess cut.
"Your Hands" is spottily engaging, hewing closely to a playbook of restrained lyricism, "I'm not your brand new toy / Don't call me baby." Moments like these prove that GRAE doesn't need to be amped up one iota higher; her smart, impactful lyrics fizzle beneath arrangements of shuddering pianos and drum machines.
New Girl is modern without trying too hard to be, and it feels full-bodied even if it may be musically sparse. At only 20 years old, GRAE is bit-by-bit establishing herself as a pop star worthy of greater attention.
