Jenny Hollingworth's solo debut is a surprising shift, especially for fans of her work in Let's Eat Grandma. But is this new direction a step forward or a retreat into the familiar?
In her early career, Hollingworth, alongside Rosa Walton, crafted a unique brand of synth-folk that evolved into sensational futurist pop. Their debut, I, Gemini, was a thrilling outsider's perspective, while its follow-up, I'm All Ears, showcased their maturing songwriting while retaining delightful eccentricities. By Two Ribbons, the duo's sound had become more subdued, though still distinct.
Quicksand Heart, Hollingworth's solo venture, is a personal reflection on grief and friendship. It embraces 1980s new wave nostalgia, which might feel like treading familiar ground. However, when Hollingworth hits the right notes, as in Every Ounce of Me, she transcends the genre, blending the contemporary with the classic. The album shines brightest on tracks like Appetite, a power-pop masterpiece, and Do You Still Believe in Me?, where she fearlessly blends breakbeats, soaring vocals, and hair metal bombast.
And here's where it gets intriguing: Is this a deliberate move towards accessibility, or a natural evolution of Hollingworth's sound? Does the album's familiarity enhance or hinder its impact? It's a fine line between paying homage and playing it safe. What do you think? Is Quicksand Heart a brilliant reinvention or a step towards the mainstream?
