Baby Queen - “You Shaped Hole”

SXSW 2022 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 7

Pairs Well With…Olivia Rodrigo, Pom Pom Squad, CHVRCHES

Baby Queen’s The Yearbook is a tight package of punk pop and synth rock, a record that recalls 90s melancholy as it subverts straight pop expectations. Consistently upbeat and hook driven, The Yearbook is notably efficient - every melody has a place and even when hitting big choruses, Baby Queen doesn’t sound like she’s overdoing it. The London-based artist is subtly experimental in the way electronic and rock instrumentation weave into one another, but it comes across as polished pop given Baby Queen’s tight grasp of sunny phrases and new-wave intonations. Lyrically, The Yearbook feels like a complete piece built high school drama that can make the world feel like it’s ending or celebrating rebirth. The punchy, matter-of-fact songwriting on the record gives off youthful resonance and is an impressively well-constructed debut. Baby Queen has two showcases booked as of now including an ultra-stacked DIY Magazine lineup Tuesday at Augustine with SELF ESTEEM, Priya Ragu, Gustaf, Surfbort, and Yard Act. (Kevin McStravick)