aaamusic | On 03, Nov 2014

Scarlette Fever is a British singer-songwriter with a fresh production and commercial quality but with an additional rocky quirkiness.

Her new EP Helena provides a strong mix of tracks that sharpen her almost American-pop-rock vocal with the added husky edge. The title track ‘Helena’ instantly announces her poppy, catchy and feel-good character. It does what it says on the tin being colourful, bubbly with a full band production; good for radio airplay but nothing too indulgent or ground-breaking. Cute guitar inflections and an easy-sing-along chorus make this a genial track.

Next up is something more percussive, driving and almost dance-esque in style with a pumping chorus. I like the title of this track, ‘6ft Woman’; it strengthens the feminine quality to her female rock. With strong vocals and beefy synth sounding riffs, this is a commanding track, perhaps the highlight of this EP

At this point, If I try and compare her to anyone who has been on the chart or festival scene recently,  I hear sounds reminiscent of Marina and the Diamonds, Charlie XCX and even perhaps P!nk. A cross between bubble-gum girliness and a strong depth of vocals to suit both pop and rock, the EP begins to grow on me with its catchy melodies.

‘Piece Me Back Together’ is a pop ballad, powerful and seemingly RnB in style in terms of Scarlette Fever’s vocal performance. If you like sickly sweet chants, simple, expected structures which overall are uplifting, then this is perfect.

Finally, ‘PS I Love You’, the last track on the EP, has a heavier rock sound, deep grungy riffs and gritty double track vocals – a culmination stating the true identity of Scarlette Fever’s new sound and direction, bold guitars, powerful vocal performances and a blitz of female pop dusting just to affirm her roots.

To summarise, this EP isn’t particularly mature and exploratory in style, but perhaps this is not what Scarlette has set out to do. This is a new collaborative venture for her, and maybe it will be the popular statement sound that will bring her a further exciting future in the more commercial side of the music industry.

MaddySutton