Gwen Stefani, Kate Bush, Marina and the Diamonds… Yes, the comparisons are easy to toss about, but at the core of it all is a singer who defines the word ‘quirky’. Her vocals (like Stefani’s) will inevitably be divisive, but you just can’t imagine anyone else pulling off debut single Who Am I like her. That stands as the first piece of evidence as to why Tiny Dancer is so special – she’s setting up her own niche.
Even on the mid-tempo front, she refuses to be predictable. The warm synths, beeping electronics and male backing vocals lift Skies To Blue from the generic, turning what should be merely a simple but addictive tune into a thing of real beauty. Her voice, both live and recorded, is perfect for performing the eccentric yelps in Who Am I as well as the more downbeat, disenfranchised delivery that is necessary for Skies To Blue. Throughout her short EP, Tiny Dancer drifts through an array of styles, with each one showcasing another bucketload of potential.
A production not dissimilar to tourmates AlunaGeorge gives Bang its disjointed charm. As its title suggests, drums are quite central to its instrumental, particularly in the verses that lead into the electro sensibilities of a soaring chorus. The song is complete with an undeniably instant hook boasting ‘we can make it beautiful’ – a statement that highlights the peculiar but enchanting allure of Tiny Dancer. On paper, it shouldn’t really work In reality, Tiny Dancer is one of the most promising underground popstars of the moment with a mainstream crossover potential that, given the right push, could be the gateway to enormous success.
Watch the video for Who Am I? by clicking the icon on the photo.
