EP Review: Strange Rituals

Otautahi pop artist Phoebe Vic launches her EP Strange Rituals today, 5th May. 

The follow up project to her 2015 EP Hunter, Strange Rituals sees Phoebe Vic come into her own with a quartet of highly polished electro pop tunes. 

The project is a collaboration between Phoebe and APRA Silver scroll nominee Emily C Browning, thanks to the NZ On Air New Music grant. The result is an impressive collection of glossy synth pop, with each track shining on its own but still working together as a cohesive project. 

From the moody opener Starting Again to the dreamy, ethereal Prelude, all four tracks are vastly different from one another and yet tie together beautifully. 

The influences of other artists ooze from just about every track. Vocal effects and harmonies on Closure are like something from a Vera Blue number, whereas the dissonant harmonies and Phoebe’s airy vocals on Prelude sound like something straight from a Kimbra album. No two tracks sound the same, with Phoebe having mastered the art of creating songs that are unique from one another. 

Second track Closure is the stand out track, dark but emotionally charged and powerful, the lyrics tell the story of the aftermath of an assault. It’s clear to see why it was selected for Spotify playlists New Music Friday AUS/NZ and Fresh Cuts AUS/NZ, it’s strong-willed and moving. 

Sparkling synths, power house vocals and pulsing beats make for a collection of tracks that are ready for radio. Phoebe Vic is here to prove that she is one to watch.