Pip Blom - Paycheck EP

It’s surprising to think that one of Pip Blom’s childhood dreams was to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest. While clearly an admirable aspiration, the style of music performed at the annual competition is starkly different to the songs that define Pip’s sound now.

The Amsterdam native’s latest EP, ‘Paycheck’, solidifies this undeniably. Once a solo act, now a four-piece, ‘Paycheck’ feels like an unnerving combination of both an unattainably cool older sibling and their happy-go-lucky younger counterpart. Perhaps it’s the scuzzy, bedroom-esque guitars rolling over Pip’s trademark laid-back vocal that gives the collection its infectious edge, or perhaps it’s the feel of authenticity woven throughout these four tracks.

EP opener ‘Pussycat’ is spearheaded by Pip’s melodic squawks, introducing the compilation as a force to be reckoned with. It is immediately established that ‘Paycheck’ is energised by frustration and anger, with the clattering percussion and scuzzy vocal. As the EP progresses, the element of frustration feels stronger and stronger, the record feeling like a cry out. Bringing the energy down, finale ‘Hours’ feels subdued and apologetic. The fuzzy, muted atmosphere of the track closes the EP with subtle grace.

Short, but not sweet; ‘Paycheck’ is an angsty and ambitious EP with the mouthfeel of addictive musical moonshine.

Erin Bashford