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Her most recent release, the deluxe edition of her EP, ‘Does This Make Me A Bitter Woman?’ is a testament to all things womanhood - it is an accumulation of bold melodies and big feelings.
Opening the project is the full of energy ‘The Cult’, a track which perfectly epitomises the experience of female rage. Art has always, and will always, be political, and this song is no different. Cathartic in nature, this track acts as a means of resistance against the institutions that have failed us as a society repeatedly. Throughout the whole song, McKenzie utilises a satirical tone, with lyrics such as “You sound ridiculous/Blaming Leviticus” reinforcing the restrictive morals that govern our lives in every facet imaginable. Track two, ‘Don’t Tell My Boyfriend’ portrays a heartwrenching tale, one in which the narrator’s love interest is dealing with internalised homophobia, which unfortunately acts as a barrier in the relationship. This track flawlessly depicts what McKenzie does best - a combination of catchy melodies and crushing lyrics.
The project takes a turn with the slower ‘Inside Out’. This track is the perfect example of how two seemingly contradictory statements can in reality coexist. Emotionally vulnerable lyrics such as “You cut me right to the bone/But the blood on my hands is my own” emphasise the track’s primary motif; knowing that someone will inevitably hurt you, yet allowing them to do so due to the unconditional love you feel towards them. A stellar standout on the record is the following track, ‘She’s Finally Lost It!’. On this track, McKenzie effortlessly explores a tale as old as time; the literary motif of the ‘mad woman in the attic’. The titular “She” is portrayed as insane, due to her resistance to patriarchal norms. Acting as a sister song to ‘The Cult’, this track also performs as political defiance. It is no surprise that the narrator defies traditional roles of femininity, as the rule of the patriarchy is restrictive. Closing the standard version of the project is the incredible ‘It Won’t Always Feel So Heavy’, a tender tale of mental health struggles. Despite the heart-rending emotions detailed throughout the track, it ultimately is an ode to optimism for the future. Lyrics at the end of the track such as “Now I think I understand/When you tell me/It won’t always feel so heavy”, send a comforting message to all listeners - time heals all wounds.
‘Catching The Next Train’ acts as the EP’s first deluxe track. Cinematic in nature due to the vivid imagery utilised, this track chronicles the heartbreak associated with leaving a romantic partner, not because of animosity but merely because the spark is gone. Ultimately, this makes the breakup even harder - there is no reason to hate the other party, so all you are left with are feelings of confusion and a lack of closure. The symbolism of the train is highly poetic - it represents the path to purpose and freedom; by leaving this relationship, the narrator is on a journey towards what is right for them. Finishing the project is the deeply personal piano ballad ‘My Skeleton Mocks Me’, an exploration of the ways in which trauma is stored within the body. Following a distressing experience, emotions are often muddled and conflicting, something which is expertly portrayed by lyrics such as “I won’t find happy/If I’m ruled by the past”. McKenzie’s raw honesty and vulnerability is a comfort to many, shaping a loyal community of fans and supporters.
‘Does This Make Me A Bitter Woman’ excels in everything a debut EP should - it flawlessly introduces the world to who Beth McKenzie is as an artist. The distinct style of pop melodies merged with heartbreaking lyrics is McKenzie’s trademark - this EP is quintessential pop perfection. Remember the name Beth McKenzie, give it a few years and it will be one everyone knows.
Hanna Makowska
Image: Sophie Bri Keeble