Daddy Issues by POLLY – Aipate

POLLY’s Daddy Issues is an EP brewed in a pot of honesty. At just 12 minutes in duration, it also serves as a brief exhibition of the Melbourne-based pop artist’s refined songwriting and smoothly textured alt-pop sound, which have already earned her new fans in numerous countries across the globe. Daddy Issues was created in collaboration with producers Ben Oldland and Liam Quinn.

The EP finds POLLY reflecting on her childhood and how it has impacted nearly all aspects of her life. There is a cathartic feel to the songs, with the singer finding comfort in vulnerability. “Writing these songs was like giving little me a big hug, telling her it’s going to be okay,” she noted.

The songs’ messages tie nicely to each other, keeping the narrative tightly cohesive. Sonically, various musical influences went into this project. Opening with the autotune-heavy first single “BETTER”, the EP’s second track is a pop-punk leaning tune called “B.I.T.E. Me”. The project simply feels like one’s experience journeying through the different styles within the alt-pop spectrum.

“Colours” is much more introspective — and stripped-down in style. The closing track “Feels Like” begins similarly, picking up tempo with addition of drumbeats and synths, which adds to it a hint of nostalgia.

With this EP, POLLY delicately tackles a psychologically-rooted topic while keeping things a little closer to the surface. For new listeners, Daddy Issues should be a good introduction to this burgeoning artist. Follow POLLY on Instagram.