Control Freak by Shannon Darcy: Review

by admin January 23, 2026

January 23, 2026

At just 21, Shannon Darcy is already carving out her own lane in the alternative pop-punk and pop-rock world, blending nineties-tinged grit with modern alt-pop bite. Hailing from Hockley, Essex, she’s built a reputation for bold vocals, emotionally upfront songwriting, and a take-no-nonsense attitude that shines both on record and on stage. “Control Freak” is a natural next step for an artist who thrives on empowerment, honesty, and saying the things you wish you’d said out loud.

The track kicks off by winding the tension tight, using rhythmic claps that immediately lock you in. Shannon comes in sharp and assertive, her delivery cool but cutting, radiating a serious, unbothered confidence as she sings, “Let’s talk about the reasons why you hate me.” She brings a raised eyebrow and a challenge all at once. As the song rolls forward, the groove thickens, and the attitude sharpens, setting up a payoff that doesn’t disappoint.

When the chorus hits, everything lifts. Cymbals splash in the background, the drums thump with purpose, and crunchy guitar riffs snap into place, giving the song its punchy pop-punk backbone. Shannon’s voice soars with controlled irritation, equal parts sarcastic and fed up, as she fires off, “It pisses me off, that fake smile on your face / Control Freak.” It’s catchy in the best way—made for shouting along, windows down, volume cranked.

What makes “Control Freak” stick is how it balances fun with fire. It’s petty, sure, but knowingly so, and that self-awareness turns frustration into fuel. You can easily picture this tearing up a live room, with the crowd singing every word back at her. With her proven stage presence, growing online following, and a wave of new material on the way, Shannon Darcy sounds like an artist fully stepping into her power—and daring anyone who wants control to keep up.