30 Sep 2023
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Phoebe Vic - EP Review: Strange Rituals

05 May 2023 // A review by Madeleine Howard

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. 

Rating: ( 4 / 5 )
 

About Phoebe Vic

With a knack for catchy pop hooks and the power-house vocals to match, Phoebe Vic is a compelling performer and songwriter hailing from the South Island creative hub of Otautahi, NZ. Her talents have seen her grace the stages of theatres and concert halls across the country, as well as a myriad of local venues in her home city.

Songwriting has been a life-long passion, the first iteration arriving in her last project Hunter, which was released to positive reviews from critics and digital media alike. The lead single Still earned Phoebe a spot as a semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition in 2016 and song Run was featured on TVNZ web series ‘Auckward Love’ the same year.

Phoebe Vic's latest offering comes in the form of Starting Again the first single off of her new 4 track EP, title yet to be announced. This sees Phoebe step boldly into the pop genre, drawing comparisons to artists such as Jesse Ware, Tove Lo, Rina Sawayama and Robyn.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Phoebe Vic

Releases

Strange Rituals
Year: 2023
Type: EP
Hunter
Year: 2015
Type: EP

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