Over the past decade, 27-year-old Jenny Hollingworth has witnessed a significant conversion in her musical artistry. As one half of the duo Let’s Eat Grandma, this Norwich-born musician initially produced an eclectic blend of synth-folk that resonated with the burgeoning hyperpop scene. Their debut album, I, Gemini, released in 2016, captured youthful exuberance from an outsider’s outlook and was praised for its thrilling variety. with their follow-up album, I’m All Ears, Hollingworth and her collaborator Rosa Walton refined their songwriting prowess while preserving their distinctive quirks; this resulted in a collection of strikingly futuristic pop tracks. By the time they released Two Ribbons in 2022, however, they began too delve into a more subdued and mature sound—yet still infused with enough unique sonic elements to keep them at the cutting edge of innovation.

A New chapter in Musical Exploration

Shifting focus to Hollingworth’s first solo endeavor requires some recalibration due to its familiar yet innovative approach. Much like Two Ribbons, this new project grapples with themes of loss—especially following her partner’s death in 2019—and reflects on her evolving relationship with Walton over time; however, it also embraces an intentionally nostalgic essence reminiscent of ’80s new wave music.At moments when the choruses lack vibrancy or energy, Quicksand Heart can feel as though it’s wading through memories; yet when Hollingworth strikes upon an irresistible melody—such as “Each Ounce of me,” which beautifully fuses influences from Olivia Rodrigo and The Waterboys—the result is nothing short of transcendent.

Musical Highlights That Resonate

The album reaches its pinnacle with classic power-pop tracks like “Run Away,” alongside genre-defying pieces such as “Do You Still Believe in Me?” where she skillfully intertwines breakbeats with soaring vocals while incorporating elements ranging from hair metal bombast to shoegaze dissonance—showcasing her extraordinary artistic talents throughout.