Sydneyunicorns has been appearing on our blog since the end of last year, delighting with single after single. Now the American electro pop singer songwriter is back with a four track EP called Manic Pixie Dream. Here’s my track by track rundown.

By Graeme Smith

Feature photo by Mother Tao

Sydney creates electro music that’s inspired by the likes of Grimes, Allie X and Yeule, combining their sound with her own boundary-pushing style to create something interesting and unique. This comes through strongly in Manic Pixie Dream from the off, when its title track sets the scene. It’s a chilled, two-minute welcome into Sydney’s world that merges anxiety-ridden lyrics and discombobulating instrumentals.

Like Yoü feels more expansive with its sound. Electronic layers stack upon each other creating a rich, ambient sound. Subtle vocal effects provide some interesting textures without losing the story of the lyrics. It builds to a soaring climax that will have you feeling blissed out.

Take Me has a darker, more sultry vibe to it. The Grimes influences come through strongly with its heavy bass and ethereal vocalisations but the sung verse is unmistakably Sydney. As the track progresses, a driving percussive groove comes in and before you know it you’re nodding along. It’s a highlight.

The EP closes with Season One, a single we’ve previously shared on the blog. It works well as the collection’s lasting impression, combining the classical and the electronic, all orbiting around a lyrical message of nihilism. It’s truly where Sydney sheds her influences and her uniqueness comes through most strongly.

Sydney is such an exciting talent. As well as writing and performing the EP, she self-produced it, with support on the mixing and mastering from Hope Brush and Jon Clifton. If you haven’t checked out any of her work before, this EP is a great introduction. You can check out the whole of Manic Pixie Dream below.