LÂLKA: The Way Music Looks | 4ZZZ Brisbane 102.1FM

- Despite being such a heavy-hitter in Brisbane, glitch-pop artist LÂLKA has never dropped a project, instead opting to ride her wave on the back of fairly successful singles. The time finally seems right for something bigger, with the release of her debut EP The Way Music Looks. Fuelled by LÂLKA’s exploration of warping, fast-paced production and heavily auto-tuned vocals, it's a collection of five glitzy hyper-pop anthems.

Opening track Angel/Jezebel may be short but it certainly packs a punch. Beginning with a watery bass line, LÂLKA’s usual style of expressive robotic vocals come through almost rapping as they build to an unintelligible pitch. The song explores being an angel with a dark side as LÂLKA goes into depth on her contrasting attributes inside. In typical hyper-pop fashion, the track hits a break-down point with blustering horns and drums reminiscent of Dorian Electra’s Gentleman.

XOXO Kiss Kiss Kiss is the closest thing to a love song here as LÂLKA boosts herself in an egotistical manner to get her desired affection. As the track goes on she starts stereotype smashing, proving just how powerful she is despite living in a man’s world. While a solid track, in rare fashion, LÂLKA’s vocals go slightly too far on the experimental side leaving a little more to be desired from the chorus.

Atomic Blonde is a dark club anthem soaked in sweat that works to perfection thanks to the simple chorus where LÂLKA repeats just how much she likes the way music looks and fashion sounds. I’m not sure of producer BRUX’s inspirations however the instrumental is almost the gritty sister to an early 10’s pop hit- specifically will.i.am and Britney Spears’ Scream & Shout. LÂLKA struts the runaway as she beloows out several brands so vigorously that you don’t even need to see her wearing it- you know she looks good.

Make U Nervous is very simple on paper but in execution adds several layers to boost its themes. The song is anxiety-ridden with Crash Bandicoot sounding short and sharp drums that bounce all over the place to create atmospheric tension. LÂLKA backs with a creepy flow that never raises itself above a whisper, as if trying to purposely make the listener's arm hair stand up.

Gold Lies closes the project on what is almost a Charli XCX-like pop ballad but focused more on the vocals being cloudy and atmospheric rather than just wooing out about heartbreak. The production is the typical hyper-pop formua, but with a softer, more melodic breakdown that works for the subject matter. The chorus is the best on the EP as LÂLKA sharply calls out all the false names she’s endured as a result of a bad breakup and ends on a sadder yet satisfying note.

The Way Music Looks is focused on driving itself beyond just the local scene with LÂLKA taking clear inspiration from a more international sound. While I believe her staying power will truly pop in a full length record with more fleshed out ideas, this EP is the entrée of a promising career and will deliver hyper and glitch-pop fans the sound they crave in a neat little package.

- James Chadwick.