EP REVIEW: Hearsay – Hex Poseur

Following in the footsteps of many female-fronted punk bands, there is an implication that this is the year for women in alternative music to have their long overdue moment. With the release of her EP Hearsay, and signing to Manic Kat Records, Leicester-based HEX POSEUR is on a high. With a garage punk sound, clever lyricism and intense vocals, Poseur‘s most recent EP seems to define her as an artist. This EP is political and unwavering, and it definitely reflects the experience of young women in contemporary Britain.

Bright Ideas is the first song on the EP, and it’s a perfect introduction, presenting Hearsay as easy-listening grunge, with Poseur‘s powerful voice being the main focus. It has a slow and steady pace, which implies that it’s holding something back. The grungy guitars accompany the vocals well, and there is a gradual build to the angsty ending, but the lack of a complete drop creates a kind of tension. This first song does exactly what a first song should, drawing you in without giving too much away.

Gentlemen is the track that really stands out. It’s immediately more upbeat, with a driving drum beat setting up the speed and melody of the vocals. The lyrics act as a clever hook, making the song undeniably catchy. This is the moment Poseur starts sounding like something different, using a unique mixture of tempo changes in her vocals to create a satisfying and addictive sound. This song is also where the Riot Grrrl influences are clear, with the politically charged lyricism acting as a fight against the patriarchy.

Having such a strong second track requires the rest of the EP to deliver, but Gimme Something Better matches the energy well. The lyrics are again the main selling point, proving that Poseur is a songwriter first and foremost. They generate strong feelings of sadness and frustration towards society, with the music matching this perfectly. The bridge especially stands out, creating an immersive trance and building to an intense drop that feels like a cathartic release.

Aptly titled Scum, the penultimate song is the most political and angry song from Hearsay, with the heavier sound reflecting this. The lyrics address a hypothetical abuser, telling a story thousands can relate to. It begins carefully, suspicious but questioning, with the truth eventually being revealed. The verses are restrained, as if years of frustration were simmering under the surface which is expressed in the chorus, with the vocals almost crossing into screaming territory. It ends abruptly, leaving listeners feeling uncomfortable but hopefully somewhat relieved.

Violent Little Things is a suitable last song for an EP that sums up the emotions of modern-day politics, although it’s definitely more positive and hopeful. Though the sound doesn’t necessarily stand out from the rest of the EP, the lyrics and their delivery are the strong point. This track has the catchiest chorus, with the line “I declare I just might be a violent little thing” being one that you can only assume would be even better heard live.

The idea that HEX POSEUR has been slept on is an easy conclusion to draw, and this EP proves that. Although Riot Grrrl has inspired many bands, Hearsay lives up to the high expectations of this movement. Though not entirely genre-defining, Hearsay is chaotic, emotional, and could definitely be a glimpse into what is yet to come.

Rating: 8/10

Hearsay is out now via Manic Kat Records.

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