For Jenny Hollingworth's first solo album, Quicksand Heart, there's an unsettling familiarity that can make it feel like a step back from Let's Eat Grandma's previous work. The Norwich native has built a reputation for crafting music that's both deeply personal and delightfully eccentric, but this latest venture takes on a decidedly nostalgic tone.
Released while Hollingworth was still grappling with the aftermath of her partner's passing in 2019, Quicksand Heart is an album that wears its heart on its sleeve – literally. The record's title refers to the idea of being mired in one's emotions, and it's clear that Hollingworth has been struggling to find her footing in the wake of this loss.
Musically, the album takes cues from 1980s new wave, with Hollingworth channeling the iconic sounds of artists like The Cure and Blondie. It's a deliberate choice, one that feels both calculated and intuitive, as if Hollingworth is revisiting past loves and inspirations to process her emotions.
When Quicksand Heart hits its stride, it's exhilarating – songs like Every Ounce of Me showcase the perfect blend of melancholy and momentum, recalling the work of Olivia Rodrigo and The Waterboys. But when the album stumbles, it can feel like a plodding nostalgia trip, as if Hollingworth is lingering too long in the past.
The highlight of Quicksand Heart comes with its genre-bending moments – tracks like Appetite and Do You Still Believe in Me? are masterclasses in eclecticism, combining breakbeats, swooping vocals, and hair metal bombast to create a sound that's both timeless and innovative. These songs remind us of Hollingworth's singular talents as a songwriter and performer, and suggest that she's still pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
Ultimately, Quicksand Heart is an album that's more about its emotional resonance than its sonic innovation – but with such masterful songwriting at its core, it's an achievement that's well worth exploring.
Released while Hollingworth was still grappling with the aftermath of her partner's passing in 2019, Quicksand Heart is an album that wears its heart on its sleeve – literally. The record's title refers to the idea of being mired in one's emotions, and it's clear that Hollingworth has been struggling to find her footing in the wake of this loss.
Musically, the album takes cues from 1980s new wave, with Hollingworth channeling the iconic sounds of artists like The Cure and Blondie. It's a deliberate choice, one that feels both calculated and intuitive, as if Hollingworth is revisiting past loves and inspirations to process her emotions.
When Quicksand Heart hits its stride, it's exhilarating – songs like Every Ounce of Me showcase the perfect blend of melancholy and momentum, recalling the work of Olivia Rodrigo and The Waterboys. But when the album stumbles, it can feel like a plodding nostalgia trip, as if Hollingworth is lingering too long in the past.
The highlight of Quicksand Heart comes with its genre-bending moments – tracks like Appetite and Do You Still Believe in Me? are masterclasses in eclecticism, combining breakbeats, swooping vocals, and hair metal bombast to create a sound that's both timeless and innovative. These songs remind us of Hollingworth's singular talents as a songwriter and performer, and suggest that she's still pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
Ultimately, Quicksand Heart is an album that's more about its emotional resonance than its sonic innovation – but with such masterful songwriting at its core, it's an achievement that's well worth exploring.
... but like, in a good way? 
maybe it's just cuz jenny hollingworth's got such a distinct voice and style 
? i'm not sure if nostalgic is the right word for it tho... more like she's been through some stuff and that's coming thru in the music 
it's like she's having a party on your speakers 
but at the same time, when the album slows down, i feel meh about it 
... maybe that's just coz it's too heavy for its own good?
The nostalgia vibes are for real, especially with the 80s new wave sound. But at the same time, I'm all about that emotional resonance - when she gets it right, man, it's like a sigh of relief 
And those genre-bending tracks? Forget about it! She's still pushing boundaries and making me feel things 
. The 80s vibes are super cool, but sometimes I feel like she's holding on to the past a bit too much 
Still, the songs are catchy as hell and Jenny's vocals give me chills every time 
. And those genre-bending moments? GAME CHANGER 
! I'm definitely gonna be listening to this one over and over again 
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It's like she's tapping into this old-school vibe that's still somehow fresh and exciting. Overall, I think it's worth checking out just because of her talent as a songwriter, but maybe not the most groundbreaking album she's ever done 
I'm not sure if Jenny Hollingworth's nostalgia trip on this album is a good thing or not. The 80s new wave vibes are cool and all, but at times it feels like she's stuck in the past instead of moving forward. I mean, I get that grief can be a heavy burden to carry, but you'd think there'd be some way to break free from the shackles of nostalgia... or is that just me? 
. It's clear she's still got a lot to offer and I'm excited to see what she does next. Overall, it's not her best work, but it's definitely worth a listen if you're into that sort of thing 
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but at times it can feel like she's stuck in the past too much - maybe trying to find her footing again after losing someone close 
still love how genre-bending tracks like appetite and do you still believe in me? blend different styles so well, it's a testament to her songwriting skills 