Etta Marcus is a refreshing take on indie-pop, blending her soulful voice with instrumentals that flutter in and out in a perfect quantity. Her latest EP Heart-Shaped Bruise enters her into the heavyweight conversation, with addictive melodies that you could easily imagine were written by Phoebe Bridgers or her Polydor Records companion Lana Del Rey.
'Smile For The Camera' is the standout number, unintentionally materialising as her most captivating single to date. It's a sarcastic take on confidence in public places that has its roots in none other than Fountains Of Wayne, a band that resonated with Etta throughout her Brixton childhood.
Jazz and soul influences seem scattered far and wide throughout the EP, yet the focus is firmly on her voice. A toned down version of early Bloc Party comes through as her backing band on 'Crown', where the vocals are a masterclass in dynamics, resulting in a multi-purpose tune that weaves between ambience and pure energy.
While the first half of the EP is more of a departure from her haunting debut EP View From The Bridge, 'Heart-Shaped Bruise' and 'Parting Song' brings it back to her melancholy roots, with the pace of the latter leaving you feeling like you've listened to a whole album.
The guitar work is intricate, and Etta's voice masterful -there's plenty more to come from this beacon of talent.
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