No Frills Reviews

Stark confessional outpourings capturing a precocious talent at their most vulnerable

The debut EP from upcoming singer-songwriter Jenna Hunt aka kilonova is a good old-fashioned breakup record. With each track labelled as a demo, these are bare bones songs; just the slight plucks and strums of an acoustic guitar to support the hushed, quavering vocals. The only embellishments are the click and hiss of a tape to open the EP and an answer machine dial tone to close. The choice to use slightly dated technology gives this the feeling of a time capsule; like uncovering a diary entry documenting heartbreak.

There’s pockets of quietly beautiful melodies throughout, but it’s the writing that really makes this an interesting prospect. The tracks tell a tale of a toxic relationship breeding toxic behaviours, even once it’s over. It’s stark and almost desperate; a deluge of her deepest thoughts let loose. Resentful yet clinging to hope despite realising how bad it is for her. It’s hugely personal with ultra-specific references, but also completely relatable, like the way the most mundane observation lead back to thoughts of the ex on the opening track – “They’re doing road work off Union and Airline, I know that that must piss you off.”

In the EP’s closing moments we get a glimpse of the other half on a voicemail – a nonchalant, sarcastic dickhead. It’s like a final reveal offering up an explanation for all the contradictory feelings that precede it.

As brief and stripped-back as it is, this is a thoughtfully put together collection showcasing an intriguing new songwriter with lots of promise.

Best Tune: i still wear your jacket

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