The Fool sees Selena Tibert explore themes of anxiety, identity, and real and imagined expectations across its poignant five tracks.

By Graeme Smith

Feature photo by Amir Nazar

Opening with the haunting and atmospheric vignette Where Do You Lie, the EP makes an early case for Selena’s ability to write an emotional story. Overlapping vocals are paired with simple yet rousing drums and mournful strings in a moment that perfectly sets up the EP’s title track.

The Fool is, of course, a focal point, and expresses its central themes against a composition that twists and turns in a mercurial way. I’ve not heard much like it. Classic folk elements blend with modern pop and jazz, and something else that’s completely undefinable. It’s a track that demands multiple listens.

All She Does strips things back, giving us a slow and melancholic moment that best showcases Selena’s expressive vocals and poetic song-writing. Change smoulders with a folk rock energy and some raw introspection in its lyrics. Should I Say then closes the EP with a delicate acoustic number that’s rich with visceral imagery and cinematic strings.

If you’re a lover of alternative singer songwriters like Laura Marling and Marika Hackman then you need to check out Selena Tibert. Her new EP is a triumph, expertly bringing together emotional stories with unconventional instrumental arrangements. You can certainly count me as a fan now, and I’ll be keeping a close eye out to see what she does next.

Featuring on The Fool are Selena Tibert on guitar and vocals, Jesse Torres on lead guitar and bass, Evan Alexander Moore on drums, Hannah Lynne Miller and Belle Shea on harmonies, and Zoe Firn on violin and harmonies. It was produced by Selena and recorded at Jesse Torres’s rehearsal space in Brooklyn, New York. It was mixed and mastered at Rift Studios.

The EP is out now and you can check it out below.