“I CUT OUT NICOTINE AND I DON’T LIKE BRANDY” by Hellena grabs you from the very first note and doesn’t let go. The moment she starts singing, it’s like stepping into a dream, her voice is soft yet rich, thick yet airy, moving effortlessly through ranges like it’s second nature. The vocal makes you stop mid-sip of your drink, eyebrows raised, thinking, damn, okay. And if you love the way Lana Del Rey turns simple lines into pure hypnosis with a similarly effortless range, Hellena is about to be your new obsession.
The shimmering guitar chords in the background add an ethereal glow, while the steady, engaging beats build momentum, making this track equal parts mesmerizing and danceable. The Greek parts has slipping into the her gnarly, breathy head voice again, which s straight-up intoxicating. It’s got that sultry, spellbinding effect that makes you want to close your eyes and get lost in the sound. It doesn’t just blend East and West—it seduces them into one seamless vibe.
And then there’s the outro. Those sexy, pulsing beats are an instant mood shift. If you’re not pulling off the smoothest, most dramatic moves under imaginary neon lights by the end of this song, you’re doing it wrong. It’s got that effortless cool, that slow-burning confidence that makes you want to move, even if it’s just a subtle sway while pretending you’re in a Greek indie film.
And let’s not forget the DIY music video is an absolute treat. Hellena looks radiant, just surfing through gorgeous Greek landscapes nonchalantly. The whole thing feels raw yet cinematic, personal yet grand.
This is a full-on experience. Hellena is crafting sonic mythology, and “I CUT OUT NICOTINE AND I DON’T LIKE BRANDY” is a chapter you need to hear.
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Review by: Naomi Joan