Kiss From a Siren
14 November 2025
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Known for her introspective songwriting and fearless exploration of dark subject matter, Patterson describes her style as “modern chamber pop fused with the melancholic spirit of 90s Lilith Fair”. Inspired by her time working in men’s prisons, the EP’s title track tells the story of three prisoners. Reflecting on her experience, Patterson shared:
“Part of the job would be to walk around the blocks holding a clipboard with a list of cell numbers and names on it. I would knock for the men and gather them up to go sing songs together in the prison chapel… It has encouraged me to write songs that tell the stories that need telling.”
This temperament defines much of Jailbird, which amplifies the voices of society’s outer fringe. “I Don’t Know How to Die” introduces listeners to Patterson’s own mental health struggles, written following a nervous breakdown that left her unable to sing for eight months — coupled with her decision to leave her band of five years. Dan Smith from Bastille praised the track, saying:
“‘I Don’t Know How to Die’ blew me away when I first heard it. It’s spine-tinglingly haunting and beautiful.”
Elsewhere, ‘Juno’ explores themes of independence and self-acceptance, while ‘Morticia’, inspired by a gruesome historical murder, adopts the voice of a victim pleading with death to piece him back together in the afterlife. Reminiscent of Soundgarden’s Black Hole Sun and The Cranberries, Morticia is a fierce and powerful song that blends brooding grunge guitars with evocative storytelling.
Patterson’s musicianship is a defining feature of the EP. As a skilled multi-instrumentalist, she plays guitar, violin, harmonium, fiddle, and keys, giving each track a distinctive sonic character. From the stark minimalism of I Don’t Know How to Die to the dynamic intensity of Morticia, her versatility shines throughout.
The EP’s title holds deeply personal significance for Patterson. Diagnosed with a muscular condition that trapped her voice for months, she felt like her voice was “literally trapped inside the cage of my own body.” This theme of reclaiming one’s voice — whether a prisoner seeking redemption, a victim seeking justice, or someone escaping a toxic relationship — lies at the heart of Jailbird. Patterson describes these songs as “darker than ever,” yet ultimately about “survival, resilience, and, above all, hope.”
Following her acclaimed performances alongside Bastille, Patterson’s return to music has been met with growing recognition. Praised by The Independent for her “superb songwriting” and championed by John Kennedy (Radio X), Patterson’s ability to balance haunting narratives with emotional depth has marked her as one of the UK’s most compelling emerging artists.
Jailbird is a fearless and deeply affecting EP, that transforms pain and uncertainty into an utterly powerful expression. This work won’t just stand the test of time, it will outlive the sun. Patterson is a voice that will whisper in our ears for generations to come.
