South African folk-pop artist Alyssa Grace, 19, has released her debut EP, spilling my guts. The five-track project centers on songwriting that moves between metaphor and blunt emotional detail.
The opening track, “bones,” pairs piano, swelling cello and understated acoustic guitar. Its lyrics describe the desperation of trying to make oneself worthy of another person’s love, comparing the experience to being dug up from the grave.
“dog with a bone” strips back the production to focus on the ugliness of a toxic relationship, while “picking petals” uses a warmer, more lush arrangement. “bloodstream” addresses the internal struggle of moving through emotional trauma and has found mainstream success. The final track, “baby swim,” features Andrew Lucier.
Grace’s musical and visual identity remains closely tied to the current wave of confessional young pop, and some vocal delivery and performance choices bring other artists to mind. The EP’s songwriting is established; its closing track hints at broader range if she pushes beyond familiar pop contours.
