EP Review: Connie Constance - 'The Butterfly Club'
Following her debut album, Connie Constance takes genre-bending a step further and combines jazz, reggae, and indie rock to create a unique sound in new unapologetic EP ‘The Butterfly Club’.
Those who are familiar with the artist, immediately associate her name with candid storytelling and a diverse palette of sound which takes the listener by surprise every single time. However, for those who are just jumping into the world of Connie Constance, her new EP ‘The Butterfly Club’ could not be a better introduction to her unmistakably poetic lyricism, soaring melodies, and irresistible vocals.
The EP, which effortlessly builds up momentum with every track, explores the topics of identity and belonging through confident and unapologetic songwriting. From the very first song ‘WOAH’ (appropriately named), Connie lures us in with a mellow intro melody in piano which is soon juxtaposed with pulsing electronic waves and brass sounds. She opens with the lyrics “How did a little town kid make it out here in a Tesla, don’t know the girl that is driving but she is brave…” which immediately shows vulnerability in a very moody tone. This suddenly changes creating an almost trace sensation, as she says “Woah! And it feels like I can have it all. Woah! Don’t know who I was worried for”, which is her way of preparing us for what’s to come.
In the following track ‘Little Town’, Connie continues to showcase her powerful vocals against a tropical soft guitar riff that creates tension through minor chords. She then promises “however this unfolds, just know I will find my way back to you”, almost as if she was warning the listener about the next song ‘James’.
In this piece (‘James’), which she describes as her anti-drug drug song, the reggae influences start to show. With a twang of sticky guitars, the artist takes us through a very personal yet collective experience using her poetic skills. She says, “I hope the drugs make you feel better, cuz while you’re trying to stay alive I’m using mine to feel deader” while mirroring the highs and lows of a drug-induced trip with the musical arrangements.
The hallucinogenic effect is then interrupted by ‘Trouble’, where the indie-rock renegade takes over. With a distortion effect in the background and almost emo lyrics, Connie showcases her wide vocal range singing “I wasn’t looking for trouble, now you are pulling me closer, it’s getting me all fired up”. By this point, listeners can definitely relate as she has managed to get them craving more.
To close the EP, Connie presents her pièce de résistance, lead single ‘Costa Del Margate’. With roaring vocals and infectious bass. The head-bopping energy is sustained until the very last bit of the song where she cleverly switches the rhythm to provide a soothing end to an incredibly well-crafted 5-track project.
‘The Butterfly Club’ is certainly all-encompassing with airs of anger, fun and tenderness which are a reflection of her own experience all throughout. Having started her own label Jump The Fence in response to the industry not being ready for her sound, Connie has shown she is not afraid to follow her instincts and the world is finally getting to know the fierce woman behind mind-blowing songwriting.
Words by Nicole Otero