Captivating in its range from heartfelt balladry to riveting electro-pop infectiousness, Daddy Issues is the memorable new EP from POLLY. The Naarm/Melbourne-based queer pop artist dazzles across four tracks that all succeed in their atmospheric and melodic elements, bolstering personal themes that span from reflections on childhood, friendship, and art. POLLY’s willingness to embrace vulnerability pairs with consistently magnetic productions and songwriting for a replay-inducing charm throughout the EP.
Opening track “BETTER” shifts sharply between spacious synth dreaminess and arp-y energy, while POLLY’s vocals strut a similarly dynamic grip. “Sometimes I wonder, why I miss you,” she lets out as the synths escalate with whirring appeal, then shifting into an autotune-laden bridge and ensuing title-touting hook. “How do we make it feel like they do in the movies?” POLLY asks there, yearning for sunnier skies after metaphorical storms within a relationship. Subsequent track “B.I.T.E. Me” delivers a more charismatic, confident ethos in its “they’re not me” acknowledgement — imploring an ex to “B.I.T.E, yeah, go bite me” following their infidelities; the spirited pop pulse in the chorus reminds stirringly of Charli XCX.
The most ballad-forward track on the EP consumes in its heart-aching sincerity. “Colours” features gorgeous piano work and enthralling vocal introspection. “You took my colours away, away,” POLLY sings, artful in its mournful depictions of hoping for love, while reflecting on previous pain. “Would you choose me in another lifetime? Hope you’re enjoying your empty house and your red wine,” she continues, as strings infuse alongside; it makes for yet another highlight on the EP.
EP finale “Feels Like” crafts a late-night immersion with its neon-lit pairing of synths and guitars, aptly referencing “after midnight” and continuing throughout with “trying hard” aspirations in hoping for catharsis. “Is this what if feels like to fall apart?” POLLY questions, enamoring during a delightfully hooky and emotional moment. Daddy Issues is a consistently melodic, enveloping success from POLLY.
