8/10

There’s something quietly compelling about an artist documenting their own evolution in real time, and on her vibrant debut album 'Get Set', Oxford's Bethany Lyn traces the path that led her here, stitching together years of writing into a collection that feels both reflective and forward-looking.

Written, produced, and shaped largely by Bethany herself, the album carries a strong sense of identity. It immediately feels personal in a way that suggests these songs were made to be lived with, not just presented.

Tracks like 'Cookie' lean into playful, groove-led arrangements, blending warm instrumentation with layered vocal textures that feel rich without becoming overbearing. There’s a looseness to the way the song unfolds, balancing lightness with a subtle undercurrent of tension tied to its themes of expectation and self-perception.

Elsewhere, 'Ceilings' offers a more introspective tone. It feels almost contemplative, as if pausing to take stock of where things stand. That contrast is key to the album’s appeal. Rather than settling into one sound or mood, it moves between them with intent, mirroring the different stages of life that informed its creation.

Musically, there’s a clear emphasis on live instrumentation. Guitar, piano, and saxophone weave through the arrangements, giving the record an organic feel that complements its emotional honesty.

For a debut LP, this is a considered and cohesive statement that introduces Bethany Lyn as a songwriter with a clear sense of direction, and plenty of room still to grow.