Crowned BBC Introducing’s Essex Artist of the year in 2021, BLAB – AKA Fran Murray – has given us even more reason to be excited about their self-dubbed DIY sound, with the release of ‘Full Grown’, an ethereal indie track with heart.

Opening with a crunchy, classic indie guitar riff, ‘Full Grown’ hits listeners with a wave of late noughties nostalgia, with strong sonic nods to royalty of this era such a Lily Allen and Kate Nash. The track is in some ways subdued, focusing on lyrics that lament on the complexities of growing up, and a simple, repetitive melody that reflects this ache for childhood simplicity. Yet, underneath this is a definite, pulse propelled along by the high-attack synth drums, brightening the underlying darkness of lines like “trying not to think about getting old or dying alone.”

But don’t be lulled into this toe-tapping whimsy too soon, as Murray brings the track right down to the acoustics, expertly stripping back the comfortable ethereal wash of layered guitars and synths, to really emphasise the harsh realities of adulthood and single-handedly advocate for a change in landlord laws (it’s 2023, enough with the no dogs in rentals already!).

What is on the surface a simply pleasing track, ‘Full Grown’ has the potential to become a gig-staple and classic of BLAB’s ever-growing repertoire, with Murray themselves taking to Instagram to deem this their favourite release to date.

Revealing more vulnerability than we have seen so far of the artist, BLAB’s latest single is one to add to your ‘Sunday Morning Chill’ playlists and have on repeat for the perfect indie-pop, low-key nostalgia vibe.