From signing a record deal with Interscope and Polydor Records in 2021 to winning the acclaimed Rising Star award at the 2022 BRITs, Lincolnshire-born Holly Humberstone has undoubtedly had a rapid rise to stardom in the past few years and deservedly so. The 24-year-old British singer-songwriter specialises in composing synth-pop and indie rock hits which differ in subject but consistently highlight her stunning vocals, accompanied by her impressive piano and guitar skills. With two extraordinary EPs, a sensational compilation album and her magnificent debut record “Paint My Bedroom Black” already under her belt, Holly returns to extend her breathtaking discography with her brand new EP “Work in Progress.”
Comprised of four songs which meaningfully interconnect yet simultaneously stand alone as respectively thought-provoking tracks, Humberstone’s third EP is a masterpiece in melodic expression and once again showcases her phenomenal songwriting abilities. Kickstarting the EP is “Dive”, an introspective single detailing the singer-songwriter’s insecurity and hesitation surrounding beginning a new relationship. Released exactly a month before the EP, on 15th February 2024, the self-reflecting song has impressively already amassed over 1.2 million streams on Spotify alone. From the very first strum of acoustic guitar, this track serves as an invitation to delve into the artist’s emotional depth as her angelic vocals immediately captivate the listener from the moment she breathes into the microphone. On a bed of gentle guitar strings and delicate percussion, Dive is a perfect opening track as its subtle sonics allow for total immersion into Holly’s world of lyrical self-exposure.
The second instalment of “Work in Progress” is the titular track of the project and, whilst it exists in a similar world of thought to “Dive”, this song possesses more intensified sonics with breathy backing vocals, haunting harmonies and a percussive heartbeat resounding throughout. Storytelling is a core ingredient of Humberstone’s songwriting, which is most likely why her work is so mesmerising, and this song is no exception to that rule. Beautifully capturing the essence of the EP’s title, her refreshingly authentic lyricism “and if it’s a work in progress / I’m thinking that I like you best just a little out of focus” will undeniably capture the hearts of many listeners who, like the singer-songwriter, are navigating the art of human connection.
Whilst this beloved alt-pop musician has courageously never shied away from integrating more personal topics in her music, it is always inspiring to hear an artist break the stigma surrounding mental health by including it in their work. I mention this because in the EP’s third track, entitled ‘Down Swinging’, Humberstone metaphorically refers to depression as a “black balloon” that she carries with her, which is a powerful imagery that many listeners will resonate with. There is bravery in such openness and vulnerability and, since she continues to discuss mental health both in her music and in interviews, there is a wonderfully high likelihood that the young-yet-established artist finds solace and safety in the foundation of fans that she has accumulated over the last few years. Despite her outlining her aforementioned struggle and a tough experience of a stress-induced panic attack, this saxophone-infused, upbeat tune embodies her strength and resilience with the impactful words “give me hellfire, watch me keep my cool tonight.”
“Easy Tiger”, the fourth and final track of Holly’s latest EP complements the other three tracks beautifully, both with its softened sonics and heavy subject matter. The chorus echoes a thoughtful sentence, “settle down now, easy tiger”, which presumably the artist has heard spoken to her during her experience with emotional turmoil. Perhaps the most moving listen on the EP, this particular song evokes a feeling of total catharsis with its melancholic melodies, visceral vocal harmonies and addition of youthful voices in the background of the song towards the end. A truly poignant end to the tracklist, Holly reminds her listeners, and herself, in this last song that “we’ll ride this out together” which is an emotive sentiment that sticks with you long after listening to this EP in its entirety.
Out now, on 15th March 2024, Holly Humberstone’s third EP “Work in Progress” is an aptly-named exploration of mental health and relationships – both platonic and romantic – and the complex matters which can arise when these two universal experiences intertwine. Available now to buy and stream, this set of four striking songs showcases this award-winning artist’s unending creativity and inherent musical expertise, and so it comes as no surprise that she has permanently solidified herself as a soaring voice in the international indie pop scene in such a short time.
Holly plays the Bristol Beacon tonight! Limited tickets still available at the link below
https://bristolbeacon.org/whats-on/holly-humberstone-plus-special-guests/book/267001/
