Beabadoobee (Beatrice Kristi Ilejay Laus) profile is definitely on the rise having performed as an opening act on twelve shows of the US leg of Taylor Swift`s 2023 The Eras Tour. This indie pop artist grew up in London after her family moved there when she was three years old from Iloilo City in the Philippines. She has a new album out this month `This Is How Tomorrow Moves`.
The album opens with `Take A Bite` a mellow indie pop earworm that hints at taking a chance on a potentially new relationship. There`s a similar texture to `California` but shared with a faster pace and vocals that sway a little and reveal a sense of vulnerability.
`One Time` has a kind of dreaminess about it while `Real Man` tips it hat to Elliot Smith whom the singer has sited as an influence.
`Tie My Shoes` has a strummed acoustic guitar, vocals and a melancholic introspective quality about it. We have another number in `Girl Song` that is stripped back with just piano and vocals and appears to reflect on trying to revive a friendship or romance that`s gone south.
`Coming Home` has a gentle melodic lilt about it while `Ever Seen` which was written while on the Swift tour has an imaginative upbeat sensibility.
`A Cruel Affair` has a bossa nova like feel whereas `Post` has a much more powerful indie influence.
`Beaches` is a further reflection on growing through lessons learned. There`s a real tenderness to `Everything I Want` which seems like a declaration of love to that special someone.
`The Man Who Left Too Soon` is a breathy contemplation on maybe ending a romance too soon. The album concludes with `This Is How It Went` which has a similar air to the previous number as it ponders on how best to end a relationship and move on.
Beabadoobee has a delightful vocal range as is evidenced here on ballad like tracks and more upbeat throwaway pop tones, but it felt to me, a little formulaic at times. There is much to enjoy on `This Is How Tomorrow Moves` which I feel is an indie pop rock album for the Gen-Z generation.
Rating 7.5/10
