Stella Rose – Hollybaby EP Review

4.0 rating
Stella Rose – Hollybaby EP Review

Following last year’s debut album, Eyes Of Glass, dark pop artist Stella Rose returns with her new EP, Hollybaby, released via KRO Records. This EP unfolds like cinematic vignettes, blending stark realities with a curated, otherworldly aesthetic.

“At the end of the day, I’m a writer,” Rose explains. “It’s the only way for me to process my feelings. When I write, I might not immediately grasp the meaning or weight of my words, but later they reveal where I was emotionally and how I’ve evolved. That’s how I make music: I collect things over time.”

As the daughter of Depeche Mode’s Dave Gahan, Rose’s artistic lineage is unmistakable, but she has carved out her own identity. She’s toured the UK and EU with A Place To Bury Strangers, performed at prestigious venues like Hancock, and emerged as a muse for luxury fashion houses like Ann Demeulemeester, Celine, and EDR.

Produced with Yves Rothman and recorded in Los Angeles, the EP opens with its title track. “Hollybaby” showcases edgy, Machiavellian undertones powered by a brooding bassline and crisp, crunching percussion. Rose’s commanding vocals envelop listeners in a dark, hypnotic embrace, reminiscent of Medusa fixing her spellbinding gaze on those who dare to defy her.

“MS-45” follows with an abrasive, shuffling rhythm that exudes an almost tactile sensuality. The track’s wickedly voluptuous motion feels like slipping in and out of a vivid dreamscape tinged with erotic tension. Its title is a nod to the 1981 cult revenge thriller Ms. 45, adding a layer of cinematic intrigue.

The haunting “Beautiful Twentysomethings” resonates with shadowy intensity. Rumbling guitars amplify the tension, while Rose’s siren-like vocals beckon listeners with a mix of allure and danger, pulling them deeper into her brooding soundscape.

A standout track, “Drugstore Romeo,” softens the EP’s mood with shimmering guitars and a dreamy, tender atmosphere. Layers of warm harmonies glide over the melody, evoking a nostalgic, retro ‘90s charm. It’s a lush, evocative piece that brings to mind the emotional nuance of Gwen Stefani and Annie Lennox at their finest.

Hollybaby is a striking evolution for Stella Rose. With a more confident and refined sound, she demonstrates artistic growth and a deepening sense of self-assurance. This EP cements her place as a compelling voice in the dark pop genre, delivering a body of work that feels both intimate and expansive.

 

Xsnoize Author
Randall Radic 245 Articles
Randy Radic lives in Northern California where he smokes cigars, keeps snakes as pets, and writes about music and pop culture. Fav artists/bands: SpaceAcre, Buddy Miller, Post Malone, Tool, Smashing Pumpkins, Korn, and he’s a sucker for female-fronted dream-pop bands.

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