SINGLE REVIEW: Eve O’Riordan – mascara

’…Emo, folk, indie, pop, and country fans will all find something here that speaks to them…’

One quarter of self described ‘funky indie band’ Iguanas On The Floor, singer-songwriter Eve O’Riordan is already a musician well acquainted with the Merseyside grassroots scene. Whilst busy organising their second annual Funk n’ Fright Night at local legendary venue EBGBs, O’Riordan has also released her debut solo effort, ‘mascara’. 

Bossa nova rhythms are buoyed by subtle, playful bass lines and energetic, jittering percussion that builds in complexity as the track reaches its celebratory climax. Jangling acoustic guitars tangle with country flecked electrics to produce something simultaneously soulful yet whimsical. The folk influences are clear, but how the track wraps them up subtly with other genres, such as this punk and pop, makes the track feel wonderfully unique.

O’Riordan’s vocals develop from a playful folksy ramble to a shockingly powerful blues-tinged belt as the song evolves. That sense of youthful exuberance and rebellion that weaves through the lyrics is perfectly exemplified as O’Riordan sings ‘Yesterday’s mascara is tomorrow’s problem/Cause I don’t wanna give a shit about it today’; O’Riordan is living for the moment, no matter how messy that might make the next moment. 

The cross-genre appeal of O’Riordan’s debut single is certain to both provide plenty of listeners, and mark her out as a distinct and unique singer-songwriter. Emo, folk, indie, pop, and country fans will all find something here that speaks to them. Should that talent continue to blossom, O’Riordan could be a very special artist indeed. 

For Fans Of: Olivia Rodrigo, Ugly Jumper, Shefu, Chappell Roan, The Last Dinner Party

Featured photo credit belongs to @florintein.

Follow the artist on social media below:

Instagram // Spotify