From the opening strains of Kynsy’s 2020 debut single Cold Blue Light it was quite apparent that she was operating in a different universe to her peers. Her self-released EP’s ‘Things That Don’t Exist’ and ‘Something To Do With Love’ showcased her melodic talents and keen lyrical eye further still.

Like so many Irish artists before her, Ciara Lyndsey found herself dipping out to London in pursuit of more concrete opportunities, having signed with Nice Swan Records (Sprints, Chalk, English Teacher) and released her first new song in two years, the effervescent Money in April of this year. Six months on, her third EP ‘Utopia’ arrives heralding a new dawn for the artist.

Working with producer Ceasar Edmunds, Kynsy has honed in on a classic yet modern rock sound blending elements of shoegaze and new wave with a contemporary post punk crunch. Single Body combines Thin Lizzy-esque guitars with Kynsy’s deep love for The Strokes, while the slowburning title track Utopia highlights her range as a songwriter, ushering in a darker, smouldering, more expansive sound reminiscent of the late ‘90s alt-rock cook book.

However, the EP’s finest moment arrives in the form of Stereo Games. A technicolour indie gem, its charms are undeniable: simple, direct and bursting with energy, it’s tailormade for blasting in car stereos. Formaldehyde, meanwhile, sees Kynsy further exploring the darker sonics introduced on ‘Utopia’. Replete with ‘80s guitar solo, it highlights her ability to mix cascading soundscapes with hooky melodies.

The Irish music scene is quicker than ever to dismiss artists who don’t instantly hit big, but ‘Utopia’ is a timely reminder of Kynsy’s considerable talents. Sometimes good things come to those who wait, but hopefully we won’t have to wait too much longer until we see Kynsy deliver her debut album.