Almost every song by Hatchie feels like it could be the soundtrack to a coming-of-age film. Her music frequently enough encapsulates nostalgic reflections on the highs and lows of romance, portraying a yearning for love that seems both fated and frustratingly elusive. One can easily picture Harriette Pilbeam’s intricate harmonies enhancing a high school prom, illuminated by the shimmering glow of a disco ball, or her gentle guitar riffs accompanying scenes filled with youthful adventures. Thes tracks are designed to evoke deep emotions; everyone can relate to the intense drama surrounding first crushes—whether they are initial encounters or those that come later in life.

The Transition from Innocence to complexity

The title of Pilbeam’s significant third album, Liquorice, cleverly references her 2018 breakout EP sugar and Spice. The earlier project was an effervescent explosion of dreampop characterized by catchy pop hooks—drawing influences from artists like Carly Rae jepsen and Cocteau Twins. Notably, Robin Guthrie from Cocteau Twins even remixed Pilbeam’s single “Sure.” In contrast, Liquorice showcases a more mature sound that is less overtly sweet than its predecessor; it moves away from the sugary melodies typical of her earlier work.

Unpacking Heartbreak Through Sound

At its essence, liquorice seeks to unravel the grand narratives around romance that initially influenced Pilbeam’s artistry. The album’s exhilarating lead single “Lose It Again” illustrates how new love can swiftly spiral into emotional chaos as she critiques an unattainable lover’s “complex poetry”—a sentiment conveyed through her sweet yet incisive vocals. Similarly poignant is “Wonder,” where she delivers a sharp message to another distant admirer: “I’d like you to wonder till the sky turns red / I’d like you to hang onto every word I said.” This exploration delves not only into unreciprocated feelings but also shared pain—a refreshing twist amidst otherwise earnest declarations.

Nostalgia Intertwined with Aspiration

The themes explored in this album have evolved considerably since her 2022 sophomore release Giving the World Away—a project conceived during lockdown when Pilbeam wrestled with her artistic identity amid growing disillusionment.Opening track “Anemoia,” named after nostalgia for experiences never lived, serves as both homage and lament for dreams postponed: “Perhaps what you desire must slip away,” she mournfully sings over pulsating synths.

This song concludes with an unexpected revelation: “Secretly you’ve been happier all along.” Tho, this happiness comes at a price—her previous works embraced experimentation while here there is a purposeful restraint; it retreats into familiar influences that have long shaped Pilbeam’s sonic landscape. One can hear echoes reminiscent of Dolores O’Riordan’s emotive yodel in “Most Efficient One Laughing”,or feel enveloped by My bloody Valentine-esque layers throughout Liquorice’s production—so immersive they risk overshadowing Pilbeam’s voice entirely.

A Celestial Outlook Amidst Earthly Challenges

Despite being heavily influenced by shoegaze aesthetics throughout her career journey—where she has metaphorically kissed stars and gazed at clouds—Pilbeam consistently looks upward for guidance amidst love’s trials and tribulations.

Torn Between Yearning and Reality

Yet despite all efforts made within these tracks, Liquorice reveals how challenging it is indeed for Pilbeam to fully resist infatuation; lyrically speaking—the album frequently flirts with euphoric abandon. In “Carousel”, she confesses “lost control of myself / Over and over,” surrendering herself wholly to reckless passion while at other moments declaring “I renounce myself” across various tracks including “Piece That Bleeds.” At times this surrender sounds frustratingly vague—as if caught between awe-struck admiration and emotional numbness when she sings on “Sage”, “you’re falling in love with me / falling in love.” The opening track “Anchor”, however remains especially stagnant—it struggles under its own metaphorical weight likening doomed romance to ocean depths without much progression.

A climactic Finale

When Hatchie finally ascends towards celestial heights near album’s conclusion—the result is electrifying! The closing track titled simply Caught stands out as perhaps its most powerful moment—it dives headfirst into overwhelming infatuation so intense it’s almost humiliating: “I’m still caught up in these pathetic goals,” she laments against soaring guitars thumping like heartbeats beneath ethereal vocals—a quintessential Hatchie moment where vulnerability meets charm effortlessly.
Cue credits rolling!

• Liquorice by Hatchie is available now (secretly canadian)