Annika Bennett - “Only Emotion”

SXSW 2022 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 2

Pairs Well With…Lorde, Sheryl Crow, Claud

While it could be boiled down to dreamy pop music, there’s a lot of interesting influences listening through emerging artist’s debut EP Only Emotion, from Americana to new-wave rock to bedroom pop across the soft, welcoming collection. The title track is among Bennett’s most bare, an emotive break-up ballad weighing feelings versus realism, countered by the decidedly carefree “Sober Up” and lush builder “Hypochondria”. “Your World” is the bounciest of the set, a song that could transcend to a dance-pop song if it was turned up a couple notches. This range makes Bennett an artist to keep an eye on with such a good grasp of strong songwriting, but Only Emotion alone should make for a well-round SXSW set next month. (Kevin McStravick)