The latest EP from Orla Gartland is both frank and forthright. The leading track “You’re Not Special Babe” is an upbeat and poppy commentary about how being an uncertain twenty-something who doesn’t want to get out of bed some days doesn’t make you unique. Comforting right? This track is infectious enough to make you dance around your bedroom and agree with her. The Irish singer-songwriter’s album is contemplative without being indulgent. She has a smooth voice that croons about issues like codependency in romantic relationships and the inevitability of turning into her mother. Rather than wallowing in these heavy subjects, Gartland moves through them in measured synths and consistent kick drums. Her songs seem more like the reflections of someone who has taken the time to work through her emotions as much as she has labored over each of the tracks on Woman on the Internet. It’s a refreshing departure from most pop songs which are grounded in a single moment of heightened emotion. And if you don't love the album, you can at least appreciate her website that looks like a 2000 Windows Desktop that we all had.
Release date: August 20, 2021
Similar artist(s): Adam Melchor, Sylvan Esso, Sigrid
Top tracks: You're Not Special Babe, Codependency, Bloodline / Difficult Things