Dublin’s underground music scene has been abuzz with the captivating talent of Cruel Sister. Since bursting onto the scene in the summer of 2021, Faith Nico, the mastermind behind Cruel Sister, has delivered remarkable grunge anthems from the confines of her bedroom. Her unique sound and undeniable talent have earned her the opportunity to share the stage with local heroes Just Mustard and indie mainstays The Wombats, solidifying her position as one of Dublin’s most promising artists.
Breaking away from industry norms, Nico’s second EP, aptly titled Turgid, presents a plethora of diverse musical elements. The EP takes an unexpected turn with the dreamy dream-pop opener, ‘As I Get Older.’ The track’s beauty lies in its simplicity, as soothing acoustic strums harmonize with the gentle hum of background pipes. Lyrically, Nico grapples with the internal conflict of growing up, contemplating the consequences of neglecting her inner child: “I feel her hate me when I ignore her…”
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Abruptly shifting gears, ‘Lenny’ explodes into existence with scuzzy distortion and visceral vocal yelps reminiscent of Wolf Alice. The swirling, psych-tinged guitar melodies lead to a breathless climax, as Nico sings candidly about her own personal struggles with maturity: “Lenny’s always been scared of rejection / Never puts herself out there, for her own protection.”
However, Nico’s most striking trait is her uncanny ability to channel the spirit of her trailblazing musical icons. ‘Turgid’ skillfully showcases her rebellious and game-changing sensibilities, reminiscent of the likes of Kim Gordon and Ellie Rowsell. In the enchanting ballad ‘Wolves,’ Nico’s ethereal vocals conjure memories of the iconic PJ Harvey, an artist known for beautifully harnessing darkness in her work.
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Enter ‘Hands,’ a standout track that possesses has potential to be a breakout hit. Here, Nico bares her soul, unraveling intrusive thoughts and the pressure to maintain appearances in a seemingly perfect world. “My hands carry all of my good thoughts / Bleeding, dirty, fighting the good fight,” she sings. The climactic release of feral screams leaves a lasting impression, underscoring the deep emotional connection Nico has with her music.
‘Turgid’ unequivocally demonstrates Nico’s willingness to explore uncharted territories. Her fearlessness in embracing new sounds and styles is palpable throughout the EP. This second release is not only vital but also an audacious statement of Nico’s growth and artistic vision.
In summary, Cruel Sister’s ‘Turgid’ is an EP that refuses to be confined by genre conventions, showcasing Nico’s impressive range and undeniable talent. Drawing inspiration from music legends, she fearlessly navigates chaotic sonic landscapes and delivers emotional intensity. Each track on ‘Turgid’ is a testament to Nico’s artistic prowess and the unique path she is carving in the music industry.
