BERENICE – Little Red Heart (2024)
Carving her niche in the modern-day rock scene, singer-songwriter BERENICE is a trailblazer with her “Spaghetti Western Pop”. Imagine a mischievous nine-year-old with a cheeky grin obsessed with Springsteen and learning to play guitar via Hannah Montana song books… well, that’s the beginning of the BERENICE effect. As with most listeners, this is my introduction to the Italian artist; however, she is already turning heads with her energetic performances at live venues like Camden Assembly, Old Blue Last and The O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire. Along with a hypnotic effect on live audiences, her sweet tones are supported by radio stations such as Riverside Radio; so, it makes complete sense for her to demand attention internationally with her debut single ‘Little Red Heart’.
Penned at the age of 17, a time of rebellion and desire for independence in the big wide world, ‘Little Red Heart’ oozes frustration, angst and the “scream at the top of your lungs” attitude. From the scorching guitars to pounding drums, a rush of kaleidoscopic music lifts your soul. Simplistic in a way, there is a barebones chorus that crescendos to an infectious, high-voltage whip of guitars, before returning to a calm state with a brash close. Interestingly, while there is an ebb and flow from stark to chaotic, BERENICE oscillates from aggressive ferocity to a charming hint of vulnerability peeking behind the empowering crash.
Along with the intricate weaving of rock-infused rebelliousness, pop-filled charm and a hint of country twang, BERENICE carefully slides vintage sounds with modern-day edginess. Clipping at Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill rushed by the power of Joan Jett and Foo Fights, with the hint of Bruce Springsteen, ‘Little Red Heart’ captures the rambunctiousness of youth with a sophisticated musical swirl.
A song to really let your hair down and scream at the world, BERENICE brings her Spaghetti Western Pop sound to the masses. As her mother explains, “Spaghetti Western Pop is the perfect balance between venting with your BFFs…and yelling to find parking on a Saturday Afternoon.” I cannot wait for more from this talented individual.
Find out more about BERENICE on her Instagram and Spotify.
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