Club Shy EP

Shy girl

Club Shy EP

Why Music?

February 22, 2024
Web Exclusive

By Alfie Verity

Shygirl (aka Blane Muise) is a student of the club. Her previous work has shined through her keen knowledge of electronic music and how she can twist its fundamentals to suit her particular sensibilities. Get her gorgeous debut record in 2022, Nymph, where her icy whispers sparkled alongside warped garage and drum and bass. Shygirl has always been a person steeped in dance music and keenly aware of what makes a crowd move. In a new EP, Club Shy, she's ready to take full control of the club—she leads the dance, owns the stage, has sweaty ravers following her orders.

Club Shy it's addictively fun. It also strongly represents Shygirl's unique creative perspective, and while the EP is packed with all-star collaborators (Empress Of, Boys Noize), Shygirl is always in the thick of the action, never out of focus. The songs here are about obsession, frustration, feeling sexy, all sung with the quiet mysticism of her signature vocal delivery. This – combined with frenetic, eclectic production, mixing house, techno and hyperpop – does Club Shy they possess a distinct, energizing personality.

The EP is from start to finish, never missing a beat. The single “thic” is the best of the lot. The lyrics, fast and crisp (“hot when you drip / give me / just a sip”), zigzag over an electric beat in dynamic harmony. Cosha's guest vocals are a perfect match here as well, her explosive singing matching the full-body euphoria of the track's production.

“Tell Me” is another standout. It's a delicate, angelic techno song with luscious lyrics, suggesting the pain of partying through sadness. It sounds like you're alone in a dark club, searching for someone else through a bustling crowd, faces visible only by the light from the flashing lasers.

The only song that fails to completely stick the landing is “f@k€”. The track's hammering beat is effective, and its central narrative (a celebration of all things plastic and synthetic) is likable and goofy, but it ends abruptly before fully fleshing out its sonic concept. It's still an enjoyable ride, but it feels less complete and colorful next to the rest Club Shy.

Overall, however, the E.K is enchanting: an engaging glimpse into club life under Shygirl's control. It's alive and well and brings out the best impulses of Shygirl and her collaborators. The most important, Club Shy it achieves its main goal: to make you want to dance. (www.shygirl.tv)

Author Rating: 7.5/10