EP Review: Shygirl - 'Club Shy'
Shygirl doesn’t like to beat around the bush - whether the theme be coochie lullabies or big dick energy, there is no limit to her sexual liberation. Her expansive debut album Nymph was an experimental hyper-pop daydream that defied genres incorporating elements of garage, drum’n’bass, jungle and reggaetón.
The record was released to universal acclaim and was shortlisted for the 2023 Mercury Prize. A surer sign of the impact of her disruptive discography was evident when the legends beckoned. With an invite from Beyonce to open for her London show as part of her Renaissance tour, a guest spot from Bjork on a remix of ‘Woe’ and a ‘Want More’ feature on Fenty Beauty commercials courtesy of Rihanna, there is certainly no shortage of stars showing their unwavering support for the Blackheath singer.
Produced with early collaborator Sega Bodega, her latest EP Club Shy is her sugar-spun homage to East London’s eclectic nightlife, a vibrant reflection of her experience of her club night of the same name. Launching at London’s Metropolis nightclub in 2022, the wild success of the night propelled the event to LA and Brazil attracting famous guests like Pink Pantheress and Charli XCX. The creation of the Club Shy night was the logical next step, following the deluxe edition of her debut album titled Nymph_o which featured new songs and experimental remixes of ‘Wildfire’ and ‘Poison’.
As far as the musical equivalent goes, a joyous set of condensed noughties floor-fillers deliver short bursts of euphoric nostalgia. No song goes over the 3-minute mark, bar the throbbing EDM standout ‘thicc’ which has no shortage of energy despite being the longest track on the record. It perfectly encapsulates her signature event series which through the Tik-Tok lens which displayed on-stage twerking, scarlet laser screens and florescent ravewear. Featuring Irish singer/songwriter and producer Cosha, their vocals wove together seamlessly through pulsating basslines to create a sun-drenched nightclub banger.
Empress Of collaboration ‘4eva’ brought former collaborator Kingdom back on board who co-produced ‘Heaven’ and ‘Firefly’ from her previous record. This welcome throwback generated the most forward-thinking dance number on this project. Kingdom also appeared on ‘f@k€’ which leant further into the direction of deep house.
‘Mute’ featured rising star Lolo Zouaï who asserted herself firmly by “putting them boys on mute” through a wonky bassline. Notable producer for the likes of Tove Lo and Dua Lipa, SG Lewis lent his familiar magic to create a sleek beat for Shygirl to coo “I’m the best I’ve ever been and will ever be”, a bold statement not far from the truth based on the quality and coherence of her latest EP. A progressive dance record built on queer celebration, female sexuality, and a club event series like no other, Club Shy is the party everyone has been waiting for.
Words by Oliver Evans
