EP REVIEW: Trials & Tribulations – Pollyanna Blue

Bristol duo POLLYANNA BLUE have just put out their debut EP Trials & Tribulations. Produced by Ash Scott (HARPER, ANIIMALIA) the EP itself is based on a multitude of experiences ranging from the shared grief of the pandemic all the way through to more personal issues relating to one’s mental health. The duo themselves are ready to be open and vulnerable, and for this being their debut EP they already stand out in the best way.

Opening with Saviour, listeners are greeted with electric guitar and synths that offer the same theatrical flair one would hear from MUSE, specifically something like Plug In Baby, before the track moves into your classic alternative rock riffs. It’s at this point we are greeted with beautiful vocals that, paired with the guitar, genuinely sound so cool and badass. Furthermore, we have a catchy chorus that’s easy to bop along to and a fantastic guitar solo; the record definitely gets off to a strong start.

Moving onto Haunted, the band enter into pop-rock territory with a song that somehow feels nostalgic, although we can’t put our finger on it, which is nicely paired with a cool sounding bassline. At this point, they’ve established their ability in being able to create tracks that are filled with catchy choruses and beats that are easy to dance along to. Yet it’s not all they can do as the second half of the EP moves into the more serious and moody side of things.

Strong Enough is best described as dirty rock with guitar strumming that leaves you waiting for the breakdown, for everything to kick off. As we wait, we’re constantly intrigued with the gradual build up that tease us with constant stops and starts and, although it doesn’t quite kick off at the chorus in the way you’d expect, it’s still a solid track. One further thing to praise is the contrast between the gentle instruments and vocals and then the much louder and angrier sound of the chorus. It’s almost like a graceful anger with the way they can switch between the two with ease. Concluding track Sapphire Lake is further proof of the band’s ability to convey a dark, moody atmosphere with the use of grunge that, simply put, sounds damn cool.

Beautiful vocals and intriguing instrumentals, you can’t go wrong with that. POLLYANNA BLUE have put out a lovely little EP that is the perfect introduction to the duo and only leaves you wanting more.

Rating: 8/10

Trials & Tribulations is out now via self-release.

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