8/10

2020 has been a funny year for new music. While it has obviously hindered many more established artists when it comes to creating and delivering their next piece of material, newer artists have approached the slowdown with a gusto like we have never seen before, taking on this opportunity to create something far different than what we are used to. This was the environment in which Issy Wood chose to introduce herself, and after some huge buzz surrounding her recent singles 'Debt' and 'Cry / Fun' last month, she has now delivered her debut EP 'Cries Real Tears', a firm and inventive introduction to the young artist.

Although just making her mark now, she has spent the last few years under the tutelage of Mark Ronson, who has not only signed her to his label Zelig Records, but been a mentor to her development and increasingly pushing her forward every step of the way. As a result, she has turned out a brilliantly diverse introduction in the form of 'Cries Real Tears'. With an almost Billie Eilish-inspired aesthetic, the general texture of this release is like nothing we have heard before. Taking conventional pop tropes and milking them through an eclectic and experimental production leaves her five-track effort sitting as one of the more impressive opening releases we have heard all year.

There is something truly magnetic about her presence on here. Issy Wood has this ethereal and almost ghostlike persona that she reflects into every song, while always trying to keep the sound of her music as dynamic and adventurous as possible. There is no doubt that she is set for big things, and this is the perfect start to her fledgling career.