Written by Annie Barber
Minneapolis band she’s green have become one of the most talked about groups emerging from the US shoegaze scene since releasing 2 well-loved EPs. Now, with their third, called ‘swallowtail’, the group have proved that they’re reading to take things international. Inspired by the midwestern nature that the five piece find themselves surrounded by, the EP’s 7 tracks take the listener down meandering streams, through fields dappled by sunlight, and flying through a deep blue sky.
‘locket’ begins the EP with a dreamy and ethereal intro. Lead singer Zofia Smith’s sweet vocal style compliments the soft bedroom pop music. The song is gentle and twinkling, and the perfect first taste of what’s to come on the rest of ‘swallowtail’.
Harmonic vocals wash over contemplative guitar on ‘dear ivy’, a nostalgic feeling and dreamlike track. Lines like “The poison’s bending & winding / Stretching out like weeds” show the band’s poetic songwriting style and touch on the central inspiration of the EP: the natural world. Although softer and quieter, the emotions in the bridge are palpable as Smith softly croons the lyrics.
‘empty house’ is a thoughtful, floaty, and delicate track. The acoustic guitar enhances the song considerably, and blends perfectly with the harmonious vocals. Things take a turn half way through when the song turns more melancholy sounding, before returning to a somewhat cheerful vibe. Lines like “I’m holding onto my skin / Holding onto this dying empty house” are packed with nostalgia and showcase the band’s ability to translate complex emotions into captivating lyrics.
Continuing the soft bedroom pop sound, ‘paper thin’ is an almost Cigarettes After Sex sounding track, which builds up throughout to an existential and anthemic finale. This track feels like a breath of fresh air and is a treat to listen to. Things amp up for ‘mettle’ which has a rockier and louder sound. The track is bold and brash, and is a standout moment on the EP.
‘keeper’ is a dreamy shoegaze track with textured and distorted production that gives it a bit of an edge. The song builds slowly throughout, culminating in a cascading finale that fades away into the otherworldly atmosphere of the EP.
A twinkling intro ushers in final track, ‘close your eyes’, which has Mazzy Star style vocals and layered guitars that fade into the ethereal music. It slips between the calm and dreamy, then the more intense and anthemic moments that characterise the EP as a whole, tying all of the songs together nicely. The track feels hopeful, and as though it is welcoming in the new era that she’s green find themselves stepping into with the release of ‘swallowtail’.
At 27 minutes long, ‘swallowtail’ combines emotive lyricism, lush soundscapes, and dream pop sensibilities to make for a relaxing listen and a refreshing collection of songs that will take listeners on a wondrous journey.
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