Becky and the Birds – Trasslig

The only part of Swedish artist Becky and the Birds (BATB) EP Trasslig that needs translating is the title. Trasslig speaks for itself.

Trasslig, in English, would be ‘Tangled’ and at first glance, the artist on the cover art almost appears bound by her blonde locks, before her arresting fashion design becomes apparent.

English is how BATB (singer and producer Thea Gustafsson) expresses herself, and she occasionally weaves in her native Swedish language in samples such as the title track – Trasslig. It’s a gentle reminder that we are in her magnificent home.

BATB high octave voice is beautifully distinctive, almost bird-like in its attractiveness, and produces uplifting sensations, akin to observing nature awakening at dawn. Minnie Ripperton is the name who compares most accurately though the line could continue between BATB and the sweetness of Sia. Be aware BATB vocal pitch may not be for everyone however they resonate completely with me.

The shorter format of an EP fits perfectly with BATB. Where some artists have been guilty of using an album-length to insert interludes as fillers, BATBs’ are placed purely as an expansion into her immersive sound. Here they heighten the sense of enthralment.

If the breathtaking single Wondering brought you here then you can continue to bathe is vocals so light, and delicate the word ‘angelic’ must have been created with her in mind. The production (playful and charming), and hypnotic, melodic flow never ceases to impress at all volumes. And don’t expect the word ‘light’ to define this EP either. Beneath her feather-soft exterior is a self-standing, confident artist.

The song Paris feels like a metaphor for her romantic heart and the historical image of the city. Almost a lullaby in its arrangement, it transcends beyond traditional pop with listening intensity.

The floating sensation continues with the pacer rhythm of Pass Me By. Released with an official video (see below) it opens gently before the bass drum kicks in without overpowering. A lyric sheet (vinyl 1- digital 0) would help as the echos of her dreamy sweet tones tend to merge the clarity. However, as a pure listener, her vocal harmonies are a fascinating language of their own.

The EP rounds off with the beguiling Do You Love Me. A playful duet, it re-imagines R&B with whispering warm romanticism.

Her self-titled debut EP was a game changer. Released as a limited edition on vinyl it sold out in seconds and remains highly sought after. BATB EP Trasslig delivers another impressive feather-soft blanket of contemporary pop with a soulful pillow.

Even on digital, make sure you catch this one. This EP will give your speakers wings.