Raffaella - “Polly Pocket”

SXSW 2024 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 7

Pairs Well With…Claud, Samia, spill tab

Act II of Raffaella’s EP collection LIVE, RAFF, LOVE released earlier this year, more poppy rock tracks balancing dreamy melancholy and punk-pop directions. While this is sweet, mid-tempo rock at its roots, Raffaella has an experimental touch that embellishes her songs in small, but important moments. Punchy and warm, these tracks are instantly catchy without beating in that notion. Lyrically, Raffaella is often subverting the sunniness and hope that is happening musically, laughing through it instead of being weighed down by the heaviness of her writing. Raffaella showcases at The Iron Bear Thursday night. (Kevin McStravick)

2022 Review: Raffaella’s core sound is a combination of classic pop melodies and dreamy bedroom songwriting, a sweet melancholy accenting the songs of her 2019 debut EP Ballerina. Hazy sound layers make an otherwise bouncy, joyful tone go down easy. Her overall presentation is soft, but Ballerina’s lyrics are often biting - youthful in its wordplay, but based in traditions that go back decades when it comes to rock/pop balladry. Raffaella’s music is consistent in its understated, purposeful approach, minimal song-crafting with a tight focus on melody from front to back.