Molly Burman is a prodigious London Irish teenage talent with a background steeped in musical heritage going back generations, with her parents having shared stages with numerous famous and infamous members of the rock’n’roll coterie.
Molly herself has been writing and performing from a very young age, and her 2018 release Happy Things had already showcased her burgeoning promise at the tender age of 16. However she unleashed the full extent of her talent earlier this year with the release of the dazzling single Fool Me With Flattery which is both the opening and title track of her superlative debut EP.
It’s a delightful serving of indie pop which boldly announced that we had new rising star on our hands (exciting both the NME and BBC6 amongst a multitude of other outlets). Burman wistfully delivers bitter sweet lyrics about a rather unfulfilling date “Can’t you comprehend that someone so fragile could in fact create ideas harder than your abs, uh?”, backed by a heavenly soundtrack that exudes a beguiling freshness regardless of its retro qualities.
On everytime Burman bravely sings about her own insecurities, asking the question “When will someone like me enough? I know I act tough. But when will I be more than nice and fun?”, whilst also berating her treatment by a host of uncaring, fleeting love interests. It’s a paean that pulls at the heartstrings set to dreamy lo-fi pop.
Not only is Burman a talented writer and singer, but she also fulfils production duties on the EP, confidently crafting a distinctive eloquent sound, supported superbly by her band of fellow music college students – Charlie Brown (bass), Will Chapman (guitar) and Mo Siab (drums).
Debt, the EP closer, is an absolutely crackin’ way to bring this collection to a conclusion. Inspired by an experience she had when out for a night of dancing with her friends, a guy was far too insistent in wanting to buy her a drink and about what he thought that entitled him to afterwards. Burman delivers a searing riposte laid over a funky infectious melody “Just because you bought me a drink, doesn’t mean I owe you a thing”. It’s a blistering take down of misogynistic privilege and a confident declaration of her own self-determination “I’m not someone’s confidence boost”.
‘Fool Me With Flattery’ is packed full of candid revelations and catchy indie pop hooks, a wonderful introduction to Molly Burman, a talent we’re sure to hear much more from in the years to come.