Danish indie pop artist Sasha Adrian catches our attention with her honest second EP, Shell.

By Graeme Smith

Shell is a story of resilience that plays out over five astutely observed tracks. Through it, Sasha processes her trauma, and shows listeners that the promised land of self-love is possible, provided one is willing to go on the journey to get there.

There are some difficult topics covered in Shell, including sexual trauma and PTSD, so at times it’s a tough listen. Sasha tempers things with her soft vocals, acerbic song writing and gentle pop rock instrumentals, starting right from confessional opener IMDb. “I read the endings on IMDb,” goes the first line and we’re immediately hooked. The track builds as it progresses, arriving at a cathartic crescendo.

Title track Shell is engagingly descriptive and bristles with tension and violence. Free of You slows things down during a stripped-back, devastatingly vulnerable moment. It marks a turning point in the album’s emotional journey and ends powerfully. Appointment is a raw exploration of how sexual assault affects those around the victim, giving us an expansive sound as the internal becomes external.

Adult proves a highlight as it closes the EP with a song of hope. An honest reflection on the uncomfortable transition from childhood to adulthood, it’s a bright and pleading wonder.

With this EP, Sasha Adrian takes on weighty topics in a way that only she can. The storytelling in her lyrics making every inch of pain felt while offering an outlet for those who have experienced similar.

Debuting at Waves Vienna this year, Sasha is about to head on tour across Italy, Sweden and Denmark. She’s a growing presence on the European scene, and with her inimitable style, she could break through across the rest of the world too. You can certainly count me as a fan.

Shell is out now and you can give it a listen below.