20-year-old Westislonely has announced her forthcoming debut EP Even a Worm Will Turn, and after listening to this short but sweet four track record, it's clear that this star is making a bold statement in authentic rock and roll. Manchester’s own Westislonely has taken in all the influences of her childhood: the shared experience of listening to her older brother’s favourite songs; learning how to play the guitar and write music; she has then poured all of those into this raw, emotionally charged EP.
Starting off the EP is ‘Guilty Pleasure’, the artist's most recent release, and it brings plenty of energy from the off, setting the standard for what West can achieve in just three minutes. It gives us an early noughties indie vibe, mixed up with a dose of feminine rage. The lyrics will resonate with anyone out there who has been enthralled with someone who wasn’t worth a single minute of your time.
Flowing smoothly into ‘Cliché’, we get an acoustic sounding piece which will remind millennials of their Avril Lavigne phases, and will introduce younger generations to angsty, heartbreaking pop rock - these are the songs you grow up with, that help you express both your love and hate. Next up is ‘Human’, showcasing West’s stunning vocals and lyrical creativity, giving us something heartbreaking yet beautiful about growing up, feeling suicidal and not wanting to bring others down with us.
Finishing up the EP is ‘Empty Space’ giving us the song that audiences will be singing back to West in future shows. Turnstile have a huge influence on this record and its energy which is particularly clear here, and there’s something about the way West brings these singles together that creates something nostalgic yet brand new in a similar vein to GLOW ON's magnificent take on hardcore. It’s a talent most attempt but just can’t quite get right, and West has perfected it in this less than 15-minute record.
If Even A Worm Will Turn does anything, it shows vulnerability. The release gives us pieces of nostalgia, and genre-bends into an authentic, beautiful listening experience that's straight from the heart and soul. This EP is going to be a standout in 2025, and Westislonely should be on everyone's radar going forward now.
Score: 7/10
Even A Worm Will Turn will be released on March 14th 2025 via the RCA Label Group.
Words: Laura Hughes
Photos: Westislonely
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