Bristol singer-songwriter Elly Hopkins makes a striking debut with Animal, a five-track EP that fuses rock charisma, Americana warmth, and soulful lyricism. Having honed her voice on major UK stages including the Royal Albert Hall, Glastonbury, and Boomtown, Hopkins now delivers an EP that succeeds with its heartfelt songwriting and impressive vocal performances. Blending rootsy rock, folk, and soul inflections, Hopkins brings memorable storytelling and a distinctive sound.
Opening the EP with a warming, soulful passion, “Cecile” progresses from breezy guitar pulses and light percussion into Hopkins’ sweltering vocal immersion. “Cecile, your name reached these shores before you did,” her vocals resonate, bolstered by ghostly organs whilst asking “does it ever get a little lonesome on high?” — overall framing a narrative around the titular character, and their magnetic charm, intoxicating allure, and thrilling ability to captivate everyone in their orbit.
The ensuing EP title track continues the gripping, from-the-heart songwriting — in this case pondering existential reflection with visceral vulnerability. The one-two punch of “Cecile” and “Animal” prove thematically riveting, the former portraying a semblance of perfection and ideals, while the latter reckons with the very mortal aspects of being human. “Kintsugi” arrives next, its twangy guitars and atmospheric synth adornments complementing another strong vocal performance. Its main refrain — the energetic “in Japan they fill the gaps with gold, take care of broken things” — shows a reverence for restoration and patience, in a world filled with hectic tumult.
“Bets” is another charmer, weaving lush guitar jangling and “I’ll stay up until you fall asleep” reassurances with soaring moments of symphonic glowing. EP finale “One Man Band” caps it off with infectious appeal, driven by a bouncy bass line and smoothly ascending vocal fervency. Ooh-ing backing vocals and rock-ready vigor flourishes thereafter, being another display of Hopkins’ dynamic, emotively impactful songwriting — on display throughout the fantastic Animal EP, which is out on November 21st.
