Album Review: 'Nymph' by Shygirl
Entrancing mythological spirit or a sultry woman? Why not both? The debut album 'Nymph' by Blane Muise (better known as Shygirl) explores both these ideas in one delicious sonic package. Released on 30th September via an independent record label, 'Because Music.' This is Shygirl’s first fully-fledged project following up her previous EPs, 'Cruel Practice' and 'ALIAS'.
Compared to Shy’s previous work, Nymph feels like a step back from her provocative and in-your-face sexually explicit lyrics that roll to the backing of industrial club beats, but really this debut is all about how Blane Muise became to be who she is today. The Shygirl is adored by many. The teasing for 'Nymph' began with the first single 'Firefly' in early May. This glitch-beat track leads Shy’s gentle march into sweet songstress with her airy vocals filling the song and pulling away from the sexy, mysterious atmosphere of ALIAS. The lyrics reveal more about Shy on a romantic level and show her in her most vulnerable light yet. This theme continues throughout the album and is especially clear in tracks like 'Heaven' and 'Honey' where she sings of her longing for attention and amorous validation from a possible partner.
Shygirl’s assertive attitude isn’t gone altogether though. 'Woe' (the album's opener) perfectly mixes the whole sonic aesthetic of this album into a rapid few minutes. Arriving with gentle swirling vocals and echoing reverbs then transitioning into a harsh drum and clap bassline with pitched down, almost masculine, vocals. Shygirl can be her full self all at once and sound stunning whilst doing it. 'Nike', the third single is a straight-up certified Shygirl classic, who else can make a brand's slogan sound so mischievous while rolling to the sampled infamous Mcdonald's restaurant beep.
Not only does the album sound more intimate but the visuals along with it have all had a stronger focus on nature and Blane herself. In the video for 'Shlut', Shy shows herself and a male love interest in various sensual scenes featuring flashes of affronting clothing. From stroking of bodies to skinny dipping in a nearby lake, Shy shows she isn’t afraid to be what she claims to be – shy. This visual change is compelling to see. Shy gives more of herself up and lets herself be the focus of her own stories rather than just being known for outrageous bangers that can be blasted out in a club without anyone caring for who she is and what story she is telling.
This debut from Shygirl feels completely the opposite; Shy is not an amateur to the scene. She has taken the time. She has done her research and now she’s ready to unleash her knowledge of the arts onto us all and look mesmerising while doing so. Nymph is a brief but mystical journey, never before has an artist managed to mix vulnerability and sensuality so perfectly. This is a project destined to be a classic and many other musicians should take advice from Shy. She makes music because she wants to and because she is comfortable within herself. Unlike other newcomers, she didn’t rush into banging out an album as soon as she gained some traction. She gathered her past experiences and manifested them into beautiful melodies that transcend any musical category.
★★★★★- Shygirl is clearly a threat to artists of all genres, so they best beware before she whisks them away with her enchanting nymph abilities.