Becky and the Birds EP – Becky and the Birds

When reviewing submissions, I always give you my honest opinion. I always aim to highlight music we consider worth your consideration – 100% BS-free and introduce you to the world of exciting, soulful sounds happening now across Scandinavia. This honest relationship I have with you dear reader means I feel no shame in admitting when I also get things wrong.

And my first impression of Becky and the Birds was entirely and utterly wrong.

I admit to being unmoved on my initial listen of Becky and the Birds debut single – Holding On several months ago. The trip-hop chorus bothered me as Becky’s voice was lost in effects in sharp contrast to her warm opening tone. It was interesting, but no spark had been struck.

I knew I was wrong when I listened to her second release – Concept Store, a soul-drenched, dreamy slow burner. Now, after listening to her debut 5-track EP, a full flaming torch in her honour is now burning bright.

Music should give you an element of the unexpected and this opening certainly succeeded.

And now, within a collection of songs, Holding On sits perfectly, creating a contrast yet symbiotic flow to the EP. The rapid, tapping of the drums sticks now hint at the oncoming heart-racing pace of the chorus. Oh, it’s so good to listen to it again!

The final track My Man is a gem. Deeply sensual and thoroughly intoxicating.

This EP is a reimaging of soul, hip-hop and pop, infused with emotion, angelic lifts and personal observation and reflection. The complete concept of the music is beautifully tied to her name and the classy graphic artwork.

Becky and the Birds is the moniker of Thea Gustafsson, a 21-year-old singer from Örebro, Sweden who writes, produces and sings all of her music. With the pop industry flooded with artists who scream ‘look at me first – then listen’ Becky is a refreshing antidote to vacuous pop.

This EP, though short, speaks volumes.