EP Review: Josie Proto – 'Oh What A Godawful Stupid Idea'
With clever wit and quirky soundscapes, rising singer songwriter Josie Proto brightens the cold January days on sophomore EP ‘Oh What A Godawful Stupid Idea’.
Dressed in playful melodies and tongue in cheek lyricism, ‘Oh What A Godawful Stupid Idea’ tells stories for every occasion. Whether you’re in the mood for a dance or a cynical rant, Josie doesn’t disappoint. “Let’s just be children ‘cause all the adults seem to be bored,” she sings on ‘Puddles’ – the world’s most adorable love song – and perfectly sums up the EP’s bubbly feel. “It’s full of my shower thoughts that have somehow wound up in stories of how I think I want to live my life,” Josie says about the record. “Just like my brain, it doesn’t really make sense. If you want warm and fuzzy, I have a song for that, if you want attitude and female empowerment, I got one for you, if you want angry and sad, click play… It goes on. This EP is just an extension of the work that I am dying for everyone to hear”
As if to underline the complexity of Josie’s inner world, each song is sprinkled with a dose of surprise, keeping you on your toes and the storyline exciting. ‘Kids TV’ comes with a reggae touch, ‘Terrible Idea’ a sugar rush and closing number ‘I Bet You Fall Apart’ might just be the sonic equivalent of a brain freeze. But the most stunning of all is ‘Champagne Fizzles’, the one track that doesn’t sound like rainbows and unicorns but rather blankets and pillows. To a stripped back setting of gentle acoustic guitars, Josie’s beautifully soulful vocals give life to delicate lyricism and make you melt in her hands.
‘Oh What A Godawful Stupid Idea’ is absolutely brilliant. Its vibrant attitude and irresistible charm make the record a perfect follow-up to debut EP ‘Pub Songs: Volume 1’ and set Josie Proto apart as an extraordinary storyteller and flawless vocalist.
Words by Laura Freyaldenhoven