Review: Beabadoobee - Fake It Flowers (2020).

Beabadoobee's first LP displays a tempting concoction of revived 90s rock and acoustic bedroom pop.

Fake It Flowers explodes on to the scene with Care, Worth It, and Dye It Red; three songs that are full of guitar driven energy, getting us ready to spend 40 minutes inside the mind of Beabadoobee. They may not be of a totally original sound, but are catchy and fun. With lyrical themes of self-worth, past trauma in relationships, and teenage rebellion, Fake It Flowers certainly starts off strong.

The short and sweet Back To Mars is our first glimpse into Bea's intimate acoustic roots. This, along with the luscious Emo Song, are great examples of the softer side to Fake It Flowers, where we can focus on the small details of life, as opposed to the rushes we are so frequently occupied with. These two songs shimmer and sparkle, not only with twinkling guitars, but also with bedroomy innocence, causing you to feel like you're floating through postered up abyss, filled with all the memories and possessions from childhood and teenage years.

Unfortunately, the other bedroom pop isn't as good. We are given three slow and fairly low-key songs in a row in the form of Further Away, Horen Sarrison, and How Was Your Day?. There isn't necessarily much wrong with these tracks but at the end of the day they are just alright and nothing too special. With these songs being back to back to back, this section of the album just feels far too long and boring. I know that the topics of the songs are important to Bea, but does Horen Sarrison really need to be nearly six minutes long? It might have a nice string arrangement, but I don't think so.

Not to worry though because the album does pick up the pace with its last two tracks. Together is an up-beat ode to moving on and seeing the bright side; and I must commend the drums on this song for complementing the rest of the instrumentation perfectly, specifically the trashy hi hat in the choruses. The only problem with this song is that it is a little repetitive. Fake It Flowers ends with Yoshimi, Forest, Magdalene, which is bursting with chaotic energy. It's a silly, satisfying song about what Bea wants to call her children, and it ends the album in the best way possible, reminding us of all the reasons we love Beabadoobee and find her so fun.

Oh, and how can I forget Sorry and Charlie Brown; the two hardest hitting songs, which give a gut punch reminiscent of Smashing Pumpkins and heavier The Cranberries moments. Sorry has early 90s dynamic changes, and Charlie Brown is the most aggressive and dark we've ever seen Bea. They are definite highlights.

Do I prefer the Space Cadet EP? Yes. But is this still a solid debut? Definitely! Beabadoobee has made her mark and done it well. When it comes down to the basics I am impressed, and I look forward to seeing these songs played live next year.

Favourites: Care, Dye It Red, Emo Song, Charlie Brown, Sorry.

Least Favourites: Further Away, Horen Sarrison, How Was Your Day?