Ripsime is a London-based electronic pop artist who has just come to my attention thanks to the release of her debut EP, self-recorded over a year in conflict-hit Armenia. It’s called Capsule I: Wicked & Wise.

By Graeme Smith

With all that’s going on in the world, the war in Armenia is generally being overlooked. With her debut collection, Ripsime sheds some light on it through her personal experience of the conflict, as well as reflecting on themes such as growth, love, acceptance and creative freedom.

The EP opens with Benevolent Prince and you immediately get the sense of Ripsime’s unique and atmospheric style from it. A textured and slightly eerie electronic arrangement creates the foundation while her dreamy yet attitude-filled vocals tell a biting tale. It’s such an engaging track that it proves a fantastic intro, leaving the listener chomping at the bit for more.

Daemons is a suitably dark and brooding moment. A stripped-back first verse gives plenty of space to the pleading, emotional vocals that speak of heartbreak and tumult. As the track progresses, we get overlapping harmonies and an edgy instrumental composition.

Title track Wicked & Wise sits at the heart of the EP bringing with it some alternative R&B and funk elements that swirl together with Ripsime’s brand of electronic and experimental pop. There’s a soulful, organic feel to it that contrasts nicely with the artificial parts of its instrumentals. It’s a highlight.

In Clouds is ethereal, creating an airy world in which charismatic vocals float alongside strummed guitar and nod-inducing percussive beats. Angels closes the EP with a slow-burning number. Minimal instrumentals do a lot with a little at the start before we get a cathartic groove punctuated by reflective lows. It’s another highlight.

What a striking debut EP this is! Ripsime is an artist that the world is definitely sleeping on. I can’t wait to discover more of her music. I hope you’ll feel the same. You can listen to Capsule I: Wicked & Wise below.