Phoebe Hall – ‘Better’
Brimming with emotional honesty, Phoebe Hall returns with ‘Better’, the latest in a string of singles building momentum for her forthcoming EP.
Over the last three years, Manchester-based artist Phoebe has honed her craft for navigating tumultuous experiences through intimate alt-pop cuts. Now on the verge of releasing her sophomore EP ‘Stop Before It Starts’ – due March 24th via Fear Records – her brand has never been clearer. Arriving just ahead of the project, ‘Better’ provides yet another alluring glimpse into what is yet to unfold.
"Better is about overthinking myself out of a relationship. It’s about being so paranoid that I’ll lose who I’m with so much that I imagine a whole new life for them" explains Phoebe. “It’s petty and angry and sad and queer, focusing on the spiralling obsession you get when you’re convinced you’re going to lose someone.” Phoebe explains.
Tying together themes of self-doubt, insecurity, and identity exploration, there’s an unparalleled transparency that radiates through confessional storytelling. With previous releases grappling with similarly visceral topics, Phoebe continues to assert herself as a powerful leading voice for young queer people. “I overthink the truth / I’m turning black and blue from all the strain” she gut-wrenchingly recounts, as tender guitar lines ruminate in the background.
Strikingly resonant, gleaming leading vocals serve as a dynamic thread throughout the track. Gliding between graceful harmonies and subtle distortions, it’s a stunning showpiece of Phoebe’s versatility in conveying the complexity of juxtaposing emotions. Underpinned by intricately layered instrumentation, there’s an atmospheric warmth that transcends the track, finding comfort in the universality of her feelings.
Even at her most vulnerable, Phoebe’s narrative storytelling remains a captivating focal point. Offering endearingly candid takes on her most unfettered thoughts, her genre-blending pop tracks are fast securing her as an artist to watch. With a new project and UK headline tour pending, 2024 is gearing up to be a promising year for the burgeoning star.
Words by Emily Savage
