Phoebe Green, Golden Girl
Chess Club
Phonograph One to Watch Phoebe Green’s Reinvent was the shimmering late runner for song of the summer, combining vulnerable pop optimism with groovy synths to make for a tune that’s sunny all round. Autumn’s brought about a turn towards a more moody, but just as groovy, sound, in the form of new single Golden Girl, as well as news of a brand new EP, titled I Can’t Cry For You and due out in December.
Golden Girl might have a bright title, but Green’s gone a little darker. Her melancholy, precise vocals sway above the bass-driven instrumental, turning from the forward-looking Reinvent to chillier notes – “I’m never gonna be your golden girl” is the silvery central line whether it’s at the forefront or bubbling in the background. As dreamy as Green’s voice always sounds, this time around her gloomier delivery is doubly evocative.
As ever, Green’s music gleams with 80s influences channelled to perfection. She brings the funk in her buoyant instrumental tone, and her trademark style remains totally fresh, but there’s unmistakeable hints of modern day indie giants woven through too. Golden Girl is reminiscent of the likes of Foals, The Big Moon, and Blossoms, and offers up an addictive vision of Green soaring to similar heights. She’s nailed down the catchy, sparkling indie-pop song, and on Golden Girl she proves she’s mastering the towering, darker side of indie too – her EP looks to be the Phoebe Green milestone that sets her firmly on top of the scene, and we’re waiting with bated breath.
I Can’t Cry For You is out December 3rd.
