Cobain’s latest single, Unlikely, boasts haunting vocals, and powerful lyrics, as she effortlessly blends genres to guide listeners through this moody number, taking influences from jazz, RnB and drum and bass.

London-based singer-songwriter, Bel Cobain, known for hit singles such as At the Bay (with The Silhouettes Project), and Leader, is known for enchanting listeners with her powerful voice and poignant songwriting, and her new EP looks to be no exception.

Cobain is a master of creating character in every song, and the bass in Unlikely immediately sets the mood of the song. Supposedly inspired by a paranormal experience on a trip to Mexico that Cobain took with friends, the rhythmic bass is a defining feature in creating a spectral feeling and is a key foundation in Unlikely which Cobain uses to build on throughout.

Unlikely also takes influence from drum and bass in the powerful drums, which create a sharp contrast to the bass, as well as Cobain’s soft, lingering vocals. The drums serve to build tension that peaks and troughs throughout the song, shaping the listeners experience and complementing Cobain’s striking lyrics. Cobain appears to reference her insight into the experiences of marginalised groups in Mexico during her trip in her lyrics – “feeling sorry for my people who got rigged by the systematic default”, – which becomes a focal point in the song. The lyrics also appear to make reference to Cobain’s struggles with mental health – “I’m starting to realise that my habit seems suicidal” and highlights her ability to deliver poetic and significant lyrics implicitly through her smooth vocals.

Pressure to exist was the first single released from Cobain’s new EP, a sharp contrast to the eerie mood of Unlikely; instead offering a mellow and jazzy ballad exploring Cobain’s perspective on life and existence. ‘Radical Forgiveness’, will perhaps take on more of this direction, giving us insight into Cobain as an individual, and as an artist, as she develops her musical style. Consistent to Cobain’s music, however, is her striking vocals, poetic lyrics and ability to blend jazz and RnB, as well as other genres, bringing jazz uniquely into the mainstream and creating her own sound.

The new EP is highly anticipated amongst Cobain’s fans, expected to take listeners on a journey through her explorative lyrics and enchanting voice. ‘Radical Forgiveness’ is due to be released in December and is sure to be a breakthrough success in the music scene.