Our Extended Play

Chronique

Prior to Fake It Flowers, singles and EPs were Beabadoobee's bread and butter, and her way with short-form releases remains on Our Extended Play. It's also clear that she still loves the sounds of the '90s and is still reinventing them in ways that feel true to her. Though she recorded this EP with the 1975's Matty Healy and George Daniel, lead track "Last Day on Earth" is pure Beabadoobee in its mash-up of trip-hop beats, jangly guitars, and breathy vocals that call to mind Primitive Love Gods, Chapterhouse, and Donna Lewis at various moments. Recorded during the most isolated part of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, it's a sunny look back -- and forward -- to better times shared with those near and dear. Beabadoobee sustains this mood throughout most of Our Extended Play, whether on "Animal Noises" or the twinkling finale "He Gets Me So High." She only hints at the range she showed on Fake It Flowers on "Cologne," a brief detour into moodier territory that's filled with complex feelings, crunchy beats, and a stinging guitar solo. Even if it's not quite as varied as Beabadoobee's debut album, Our Extended Play is still a welcome follow-up to Fake It Flowers' success.
© Heather Phares /TiVo