“Can I grow up?” questions Ellen Krauss in self-inspiriting tones on Criminal to Love, although this latest effort from the nascent Swedish teen evidences ample maturity in itself. Set against a fairly spare backdrop of guitar and drums, and the odd siren which whirrs in and out of focus in typical fashion, Krauss’ vocal recalls a rather less existential take on Julien Baker’s keen cries, and keeps you willing prisoner across its duration. A skittish neo-soul outro – once more replete with the intruding roar of police cars – also shows off a ludic side as much as it serves as a potential sign of things to come. Exciting stuff.
First Transmission: Ellen Krauss, Criminal to Love.
