Hesta Prynn, Can We Go Wrong EP
Reviewed by: Cooper Foyt
A lot of times people will tell me that I should listen to music that’s more fun and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Usually I am not so hedonistic to put on a Ting Tings album, but recently I may have come across the artist that will do me in. Hesta Prynn is the literary stage name of former underground hip hop performer Julie Potash and she’s shifted laterally from her former project, Northern State, for something more pop oriented. Sharing similarities with current hot topic earworm connoisseurs M.I.A. and Sleigh Bells, Hesta Prynn meshes the sounds of her spiritual sisters with an early 00’s disco revivalist slant.
The lyrical content on the album isn’t anything that will have you reevaluating your life but it will have you repeating the little lines that burrow into your brain for weeks. EP opener “You Winding Me Up” shows some of the only hints of her hip hop background on the verses, but the rest of the song is pure electronic pop bliss from the stuttering syllables on the pre-chorus to the wonky guitar riffs contrasting to Potash’s slyly cool voice. “Motive” has a Metric feel to it but feels much easier to dance to than anything Emily Haines has put out. “La Coq Aux Folles” maximizes the mix with cascading bells, a flowing bassline, and synth lazer shots that all culminate in a joyous chorus that puts ABBA to shame.
The big single being touted from this EP is the titular “Can We Go Wrong” which features a distorted and distant Prynn while an overdriven bass dominates the stomping intro before a flurry of guitars ignite the quick fire chorus. It’s reminiscent of early 90’s radio pop in the faintest of ways which gives it a wonderful nostalgic rush. This can actually be said of most of the album, which seems vaguely reminiscent of a hundred things but never quite enough for you to put your finger on it, something I’ve found equally enjoyable and frustrating on my listens. I swear there’s a connection between album closer “Recall” and something the Pixies have done…
Hopefully this fruitful EP is a sign of things to come from Hesta Prynn as she collaborates with Wu Tang and Lykke Li producer Chuck Brody on her upcoming album. Her EP has been a huge delight to discover and listen through during the summer and makes the perfect soundtrack to “just having fun”. Or listening with headphones on your bed. Or driving around with the windows down. Or anytime really.
Rating: 80%