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“Libby,” the self-titled debut EP by Libby Johnston, is a poignant exploration of youth, vulnerability, and introspection packaged within the cozy confines of indie pop and bedroom pop sensibilities.
Recorded in an unconventional studio setting—her best friend’s grandmother’s living room in Las Vegas—this collection of five songs carries the intimacy and authenticity of its recording environment into every chord and lyric.
The EP draws inspiration from diverse artists, such as MUNA, Reneé Rapp, Lizzy McAlpine, and Holly Humberstone, weaving together a sound that is both familiar and fresh.
The opening track, “Handle with Care,” sets the tone for the EP with its atmospheric presence. It serves as an invitation into Johnston’s world, where the listener is asked to tread lightly, recognizing the fragility and depth of the emotions laid bare. The thematic journey continues with tracks like “Aftermath” and “Daydream,” which dive deeper into personal experiences and reflections.
“Ruins,” featuring Joey Miceli, introduces a collaborative dynamic highlighting the strength of shared vulnerabilities. At the same time, “Eldest Child” caps off the EP with a poignant look at familial roles and expectations.
Johnston’s ability to articulate the complexities of her experiences with nuance and sincerity is the EP’s greatest strength. The production, rooted in the DIY ethos of its creation, complements her lyrical narratives, allowing the songs to breathe and resonate personally.
Go listen to “Libby,” and in a short time, you’ll realize how amazingly it captures what makes indie pop and bedroom pop so compelling: the ability to find the universal in the personal and the extraordinary in the everyday.
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Review by Ryan Anderson