Jenny Hollingworth, one half of the acclaimed Norwich duo Let's Eat Grandma, has stepped into the spotlight with her first solo project. The album, titled 'Quicksand Heart', marks a significant and personal departure, channelling introspection through a lens of nostalgic 1980s new-wave sound.
From Duo Eccentricity to Solo Reflection
The 27-year-old artist's musical journey has evolved over the past decade. With Let's Eat Grandma, she and Rosa Walton began with the freaky synth-folk of their 2016 debut, 'I, Gemini', before honing their craft into the sensational futurist pop of 'I'm All Ears'. Their 2022 album, 'Two Ribbons', saw them move into more subdued, though still idiosyncratic, territory.
'Quicksand Heart' continues this thematic thread but as a wholly solo venture. The record delves into profound personal loss, reflecting on the death of Hollingworth's partner in 2019, and the temporary fracture of her lifelong creative partnership with Walton. This time, however, the emotional landscape is painted with knowingly retro sonic brushes.
A Dive into 80s-Inspired Melancholy and Pop
The album's initial familiarity, a continuation of the more conventional path hinted at on 'Two Ribbons', requires a brief adjustment for long-time listeners. Yet, when Hollingworth's singular songwriting alchemy clicks, the results are transcendent.
Tracks like 'Every Ounce of Me' showcase this power perfectly, marrying a bittersweet bounce that cleverly bridges the gap between modern pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo and the anthemic folk-rock of the Waterboys. The record reaches its zenith with the archetypal power-pop brilliance of 'Appetite'.
A Reminder of Singular Artistic Power
The most thrilling moment arrives with 'Do You Still Believe in Me?'. Here, Hollingworth reminds listeners of her innovative spirit, masterfully patchworking together disparate elements: breakbeats, vertiginously swooping vocals, squealing hair-metal bombast, and shoegazey dissonance. It's a genre-bending tour de force that underscores her unique position in the pop landscape.
While some moments may feel like a plod through the past when the choruses don't quite sparkle, 'Quicksand Heart' ultimately stands as a courageous and compelling debut. It proves that Jenny Hollingworth's songwriting prowess not only survives outside the celebrated duo but flourishes, offering a poignant, melody-rich exploration of heartache and memory.
