Los Angeles-based pop artist Pennybirdrabbit burst onto the mainstream scene by lending her captivating vocals to numerous tracks by notable producers like Skrillex, The M Machine, and a host of others over the past few years. While casual listeners may recognize her as a featured singer on various songs, Pennybirdrabbit, our cherished enigmatic songstress, has also been dedicated to her independent musical venture. Her solo project began with the release of her debut extended play, “Treehouse,” in 2012. This unexpected release showcased her remarkable ability to blend a potent and ethereal vocal delivery with an array of diverse instrumentals. Now, in 2013, Pennybirdrabbit presents her latest compilation of songs in the form of the “Safer EP,” available now on Big Beat Records. This collection marks yet another step forward in the evolution of this young artist, showcasing a diverse range of production styles within a refined and polished package.
While “Treehouse” exuded a charming bedroom-recording vibe, each track on the “Safer EP” exudes the professional touch of a complete studio production. It’s as if a team of skilled sound engineers collaborated with a shared purpose of accentuating Pennybirdrabbit’s vibrant and versatile vocal talents. The opening track, “Dumbutton,” immediately grabs attention within the first two bars. The infectious synth line, coupled with a rhythmic and hollow drum kick, establishes an enticing hook even before Penny’s vocals come into play. Once Penny’s distinctive voice graces the track, “Dumbutton” transforms into an emotive and introspective slow-burning pop ballad, setting the tone for the rest of the EP.
“Run,” the following track, shifts the focus to the dancefloor with its energetic synth-pop beat, skillfully juxtaposed with Pennybirdrabbit’s melancholic lyricism. The song seamlessly transitions into a dynamic bass-driven segment, potentially influenced by some of her contemporaries. The flawless production quality envelops the listener, conjuring an image of the pink-haired songstress delivering her heartfelt lyrics in a dimly lit room.
The EP’s eponymous track, “Safer,” occupies the third position and stands out as a deeply emotive composition. Exploring the shadowy aspects of love, Pennybirdrabbit delves into the realm of post-breakup sentiments, crafting a piece that resonates universally with listeners. What distinguishes Pennybirdrabbit’s lyrics is their relatability, as if they bring to the surface long-forgotten emotions. Listening to “Safer” feels akin to a private late-night conversation shared between close companions, an intimate moment known only to them. The recent release of the music video for “Safer” further emphasizes the emotional depth of the song, providing a visual counterpart to its evocative themes.
“Soulsucker,” the fourth and final track on “Safer,” concludes the EP on a dark yet groove-laden note. Pennybirdrabbit’s vocals skillfully interact with a tinny snare kick, weaving a narrative centered around the concept of a “Soulsucker” – someone capable of eliciting love only to cruelly shatter emotional bonds. The song taps into universal experiences, likely resonating with anyone who has walked down a similar path. It serves as a fitting closure to Pennybirdrabbit’s latest artistic endeavor.
For the full experience, it’s highly recommended to listen to all four tracks on the “Safer EP” as a cohesive musical unit. In today’s busy world, taking thirty minutes to immerse oneself in Pennybirdrabbit’s expertly crafted pop melodies provides a welcome respite, soothing the soul with a blend of meticulously produced and emotionally resonant music.
Pennybirdrabbit, may have first first gained prominence with her captivating performance on Skrillex’s track “All I Ask of You.” However, she defies the conventional image of an EDM vocalist, although her hair color seems to be ever-changing. Across her trilogy of self-produced EPs, Pennybirdrabbit has delved into a diverse array of musical genres, spanning from dynamic electro-pop to infectious indie rock. Noteworthy comparisons have been drawn between her and iconic artists like Björk, Kimbra, and Imogen Heap.
The latest addition to her discography, the “For Love” EP, stands out remarkably. Within it, the track “Look for Love” emanates a reminiscent pop vibe akin to The Cardigans’ style, while “Earthquake” presents a poignant ballad, evoking thoughts of what it might be like if Sia fronted for the xx. A true advocate of the DIY ethos, Pennybirdrabbit takes pride in her self-sufficiency. She crafts music videos for the majority of her tracks, showcasing her creative flair.
In a particularly engaging visual piece, presented by Vans for their OffTheWall.tv series, Pennybirdrabbit lifts the curtain on her techniques for producing a budget-friendly rendition of “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure.” This glimpse into her creative process underscores her resourcefulness and innovation, further solidifying her status as a multi-talented artist to watch.
We can’t wait to hear more from Pennybirdrabbit!
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