EP Review: renforshort – 'teenage angst'

17-year-old pop sensation renforshort speaks for a whole generation in debut EP ‘teenage angst’ – a collection of seven songs tackling deep-seeded, personal topics such as anxiety, love and self-image. 

As the title suggests, ‘teenage angst’ ain’t no bubble gum pop. It’s finely crafted alt-pop complete with intriguing melodies, energetic hooks and magnetic beats that resonate deep within your core. 

Despite or maybe because of her young age, renforshort has the admirable ability to write cleverly witty songs, perfectly capturing the tone of her people. Whether it’s reluctant love song ‘new way’ or anthem for the anxious ‘i drive me mad’ with its big, dramatic chorus, you WILL be violently nodding along because – if you’ve ever been 17 - you’ll know exactly what the girl is talking about.  

Standout track ‘tastefully depressed’ closes the EP on a quiet note. Bittersweet melancholy seeps through the stripped back atmosphere of soft guitar riffs and soothing vocals talking about losing your childlike innocence when growing up - “water turns to vodka, apple juice to rum. you kiss her on her neck then tell her to leave when you’re done.” It’s a song of the times, strangely comforting as if to say this life may be messed up and growing up is scary but at least we’re all sitting in the same little boat and we’ll make it to the other side together.

Speaking about ‘teenage angst’, renforshort explains: ”I’m really looking forward to the release of this EP. It’s a very special body of work to me because it is incredibly personal and honest. I like to believe there's a song on there for everyone!“ 

Words by Laura Freyaldenhoven

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