8/10

Phoebe Bridgers' sophomore album 'Punisher' has been one of the most well-received albums of 2020, and rightly so. The artist has grown magnificently over the last couple of years, and it was breathtaking to see that evolution realised on her latest full-length. But just like any creative soul in this industry, there will always be questions about whether the songs sounded as best they could, or whether some other arrangement maybe more suited to them. So to save herself from the torture of wondering, she has now returned with 'Copycat Killer', a four-track release that reinvents some of the record's standout offerings.

While the originals on the album have only a fleeting similarity when it comes to style and sound, 'Kyoto', 'Savior Complex', 'Chinese Satellite' and 'Punisher' have all seen themselves reinvented under the guidance of GRAMMY Award-winning arranger and string player Rob Moose, who has worked to transform these cuts into a more humble and driven direction. Not to take anything away from the original focus of these singles, the pair have created a warm and vibrant EP that manages to showcase a new side to Bridgers' demeanour, something more atmospheric and textured throughout.

It is hard to say whether these new renditions are better or worse that their counterparts, but they certainly make for an extremely cohesive and succinct listen. 'Copycat Killer' was about exploring the possibilities within her songwriting, and it feels like she has pursued some of her most heartfelt avenues to date.