After seeing a tweet by BROCKHAMPTON frontman Kevin Abstract that himself and producer Romil have begun their own label “Video Store,” I was quick to check out their first signee by the name The Blossom.
The non-binary artist, real name Lily Lizette, just released their first EP titled 97 Blossom, full of raw emotion about questioning gender, relationships, internal struggles, and more.
“Having the ability to go to all these different places sonically, it translates to my personality,” they said in an Apple Music interview. “That’s also what I’m dealing with gender, being nonbinary. That’s in my sound. Ultimately, it’s that there is no true way to be, except for yourself.”
The Blossom shares with both Kevin Abstract and Romil, a sense of “genre agnosticism” and a visual approach to songwriting. However, the mini-album is classified as indie-pop.
The EP includes six tracks, some previously released, with the song “SMOKE,” featuring Matt Champion, another member of BROCKHAMPTON. Matt collaborated with Lizette as well in helping write a lot of the EP. “I trusted him to understand my nature and my language, so much so that he would write things, turn his phone to me, I’d take the phone, and I’d lay it down straight away.”
The Blossom doesn’t shy away from vulnerability, being open and honest about hard feelings and creating genius lyrics to represent them.
“I can be they, I can be so gay / I can be anywhere any kind of way / I hate the normal life / Give me the other side / I want to fantasize / I don’t need the alkaline.”
On track “SHAPESHIFTER,” the musician talks about being able to be themselves no matter what, and breaking down both internal and external barriers in the process. “Shapeshifter, anything I choose / Change figures just to get through / Shattered ceilings, everything I do.”
Track five “BLACK EYE,” takes a more slow and emotional route, with a soft piano sound and soothing vocals.
“The universe maybe hates me, but maybe lately I’m good again / And all my thoughts just feel stupid / I’ll try much harder to be your friend / And if I told you I’m perfect, would you like that? / I bet you would / And if I told you I’m worthless, would you like that? / I bet you would.”
I think “BLACK EYE” could be my personal favorite track all around, and I do feel that it could have been a great ending to the album, since it has a different, more somber vibe than the rest. But, the actual closer, titled “CLOVES,” works pretty great regardless.
“I end the EP with the yearning and desire to change my life. ‘CLOVES’ is a serenade to send you off into the next chapter. I wanted to leave you with hope.”
The outro of the final track feels majestic and the entire project’s production was beautiful, eccentric, and unique. I am super excited for Video Store’s growth as a record label, and I am glad they chose to begin their journey with The Blossom.
This track already shows their ability to be versatile, demonstrating great talent both sonically and lyrically. I am excited to hear more from The Blossom in the future and see and hear them grow both individually and as an artist. All avid music listeners should make sure to check out this amazing musician and their debut EP 97 Blossom now!
I give this release 3.5 out of 5 Swoops.
