8/10

Nashville’s Frankie Orella closes a thoughtful chapter with her latest EP 'It’s kind of a mess in here.', a five-song reflection on anxiety, intimacy, and the messy truths of growing up. Orella’s voice carries both fragility and honesty, drawing us close while painting vivid snapshots of the internal struggles we often hide from the world.

From the intimate opening chords of 'Like This', the EP establishes a quiet urgency, with late-night melodies and soft, deliberate percussion echoing the inner dialogues of self-awareness and doubt. 'Lie To Myself' hits with relatable resignation, capturing the reflexive “I’m fine” moments that mask underlying unease. Throughout the tracks, Orella’s knack for melody-first pop allows each lyric to resonate, creating a sense of connection that feels immediate yet reflective.

'Blow Up My Life' is a standout, channelling anxiety into deliberate phrasing, as Orella names the uncomfortable “what ifs” and steps back just enough to find perspective. By contrast, 'Cloud9' drifts into airy, almost dreamlike instrumentation, offering a reprieve from the weight of the previous tracks, a shimmering reminder that clarity and calm can exist even in the chaos.

What makes 'It’s kind of a mess in here.' remarkable is the balance she strikes between personal narrative and universal relatability. Her production choices, whether delicate piano lines or subtle electronic textures, highlight her ability to craft space for both confession and catharsis. Across these songs, she captures the awkward, painful, and fleeting moments that define adolescence and early adulthood, all while demonstrating a maturity in songwriting that belies her years.

This new EP is a nuanced exploration of the human mind at its most candid, offering us both solace and recognition. Frankie Orella has crafted a collection that is equal parts confessional and melodic sanctuary, solidifying her as an indie-pop artist capable of turning vulnerability into resonant, unforgettable music.