EP Review: Scout - ‘Everything Will Makes Sense’
Balancing poignant prose with buoyant synth-driven instrumentation, Scout delivers a visceral - and equally anthemic - coming-of-age soundtrack on debut EP ‘Everything Will Make Sense’.
Having only emerged onto the scene less than six months ago, Hamburg-born, Sweden-raised artist Scout has quickly become a fast-rising name. Currently based in London, the singer/songwriter has honed a sound that lies somewhere between alt-pop trailblazers Holly Humberstone and King Princess. Arriving following an enticing string of singles, the reassuringly titled ‘Everything Will Make Sense’ is Scout’s first body of work. Flaunting collaborations with producers and mixers including Gethin Pearson (Charli XCX, Orla Gartland), George Glew (Emie Nathan), and Oliver Wright (Hot Chip, Ashnikko, Anna Of The North), the record is backed by an impressive catalogue of names.
Tackling themes of identity, social expectations, and personal relationships amidst eclectic production, it condenses tumultuous personal experiences into just under 15 minutes of cathartic release. Synth-driven breakup anthem ‘Last Time’ kicks off the project. Doubling as both an opener and new single, the track offers an immersive deep dive into Scout’s psyche. Weaving together driving beats, colourful tones, and vocoded leading vocals, it creates an alluring sound collage of electronic influences, while searingly honest songwriting reflects on the all-encompassing nature of young love.
Vivid, cinematic storytelling serves as a guiding thread throughout the 5-track record, but it’s the second offering, ‘Who’, that sees the strength of the rising star’s lyrical abilities truly shine through. With a pervading emotional potency that runs throughout, there’s an endearing universal resonance that can be felt as Scout details the experience of power abuse within the music industry. ‘Hide beneath their alibis / Fingers full of cyanide / Who baby baby, who are they really?’ they poetically question, while punctuating basslines and lilting guitars ruminate.
Shifting back to lingering heartache, the following tracks offer an even deeper delve into the intricacies of Scout’s mind. ‘Hurt’ lays the inner turmoil surrounding the premature death of a relationship entirely bare, while debut single ‘The Best’ provides a heartfelt, external account of an unreciprocated relationship. Laden with carefully crafted sonic textures, each tender guitar line neatly intertwines with the next, as graceful vocals serve as a breathtaking focal point.
Glitch-pop cut ‘Gemini Baby’ closes out the record with arguably the most experimental sound thus far. Above an undercurrent of cascading synths, a thought-provoking narrative ponders on the façade of hyper-connectivity and the ever-changing world around us. Reeling off the frustrations held by much of today’s generation, it once again enchants the listener with Scout’s searing honesty. ‘Not even the world can entertain me / ‘Cause we’re so fickle with our love’ they divulge. A striking showpiece of unbridled creativity, it finalises the project as one of stylistic instrumental exploration.
Albeit an early promise of things to come, Scout’s debut is one that brims with potential and firmly establishes them as a burgeoning newcomer.
Words by Emily Savage
