The Internet’s beloved Nessa Barrett is back on the scene with new EP hell is a teenage girl, a ravaging, retrospective reflection upon separation from a lover and how the emotional journey can change a woman. Barrett teased each track’s role in her “eight stages of a breakup” on TikTok prior to release, building the hype for old and new fans alike; this collection of tracks unequivocally propels the singer to indie-pop superstar status.
The title track, “hell is a teenage girl,” sets the tone, highlighting the hypocrisy of the male gaze upon women who face the impossible paradox – damned if they do, damned if they don’t. Barrett reclaims control of the narrative, issuing a warning to those who have dared to shame the ‘delicate and dangerous’ girls who now leave a trail of destruction in their wake. A sonically powerful beginning accompanied by a rousing message enraptures listeners from the very first listen, sending them into the following songs with high expectations.
The EP continues with the more somber “the one that should’ve got away,” as Barrett mourns time wasted on a risky relationship that never paid off. This ethereal piano-led ballad, with its eerie hook and lyrical candour, hits a climax around two and a half minutes in, with an electric interlude that is felt through the heart of her audience, reflecting the wrath that the piece encapsulates.
What follows is “lie,” one of Barrett’s previously released and most popular offerings, for good reason. A steady backbeat soundtracks the grievance of losing a lover that is no longer yours. The cleverly subverted chorus is performed through an enchanting vocal reminiscent of Billie Eilish or Lana Del Rey, both of whom appear to inform musical choices across the EP – Barrett fits easily into this image of delicate melancholy that the two purport.
“plane to paris” embodies an emotional backstep into unrequited attachment; the poignant metaphor of an aerial disaster is no doubt a foundation for the subtext of a relationship on the rocks. The song is framed by atmospheric airport effects that only enhance the sense of tragedy surrounding reliance upon someone far away, paired with despairingly relatable lyrics and a devastatingly romantic French confession to round things off.
In stark contrast, Barrett enters her self-described “bad bitch era” in “heartbreak in the hamptons,” deciding to abandon love entirely in favour of her own success. Certainly one to add to your ‘getting ready’ playlist, this divergence from the otherwise lovesick feeling to the EP is tonic and much welcomed.
The stirring guitar continues through “american jesus,” different in mood but as evocative as the prior. Another song with which listeners will already be familiar, this is undoubtedly a standout track in musical quality, as well as sensual imagery, introducing a novel aspect to the collection that demonstrates the depth of Barrett as an artist.
As if to forge another novel path, “motel whore” is unique in its quasi-Western guitar riff, the foil to final track “BANG BANG!” in its longing, drawn-out vocal and interrogative lyricism. Barrett’s innate ability to invoke such vivid storytelling is particularly evident here, recalling the messaging present at the beginning of the EP to establish an intolerance for mistreatment that may not have existed in the toxic relationship detailed by the singer.
Perhaps the boldest move made by Barrett is finishing on “BANG BANG!,” a decision that ultimately pays off by sending listeners away with a spring in their step. The song is uptempo, indisputably catchy, and unlike anything else on hell is a teenage girl. Those more inclined towards an alternative style will delight in the inclusion of this captivatingly creative end to an overall melodically and lyrically strong set of tracks.
Nessa Barrett lays her cards on the table with hell is a teenage girl, addressing all stages of the emotional spectrum as she experiences personal growth and romantic grief. Everything you could want from a certifiable TikTok star can be found here, supplemented by an evident and impressive knowledge of sound that shines through in her instrumental.
You can listen to hell is a teenage girl here:
