Here’s everything we know about the London based artist’s new era of indie grunge music.
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Suburban dysfunction, an unassuming city backdrop, and ‘90s teen nostalgia: this is the aesthetic of the upcoming album Fake It Flowers, courtesy of cool-girl and indie rockstar Beabadoobee (Bea Kristi). Even though the full album doesn’t release until October 16th, the first two songs from the Dirty Hit signee are out — and they might even be Bea’s best work yet.
If there was a face to describe the new age of the Gen Z modern grunge scene, it’d be Bea. At 20 years old and with four EPs out already, the Filipino-born British singer-songwriter has her own cult following of grunge and lo-fi indie fans alike. From the looks of the first two singles, Bea’s new album is veering more towards the rock n’ roll side of the spectrum — and I’m so pumped.
In regards to the theme of the upcoming album, Bea described it as “a record for girls to cry to and dance to and get angry to,” and that “it's all about, like, how annoying it is to be a girl.” I felt that.
From a self-proclaimed stan since her first song, here’s the deets on Beabadoobee’s new era. So, put on your merch, grab a snack, and get ready for the deep dive.
Care – The Rock Ballad To Yell Into Your Pillow
Bea definitely appeals to my inner teenage angst with this hit. Electrifying yet melancholic, this single is the perfect song to both cry in your bedroom and lose your mind in a mosh pit (after the pandemic, of course).
The serene vocals complimented by contagious energy from the electric guitar and pounding drums are bound to make you feel some type of way. When I first listened to this instant classic, I didn’t know if I wanted to cry or scream it from my rooftop. And when music makes me feel such a complex bundle of emotions, that’s the sign for me that it’s truly groundbreaking.
The music video, directed by Soren Harrison and Amir Hossain from the independent production studio Bedroom Projects, is heavy on the late ‘90s nostalgia. In an interview for NME, Bea described this as just the mood she was in search of, saying “this song has end of ‘90s movie vibes, like you’re driving down a highway.”
She continued by explaining the inspiration behind the song was “pretty much being angry at society,” and the people who don’t “know [her] and don’t care.” Consistent with her no-fucks-given approach to songwriting in general, she breaks down the lyrics to a simple phrase: “I don’t want you to feel fucking sorry for me. I just want you to understand what I’ve been through.”
Needless to say, she’s a total badass.
Alongside this first single, Bea released some adorable limited merch, too. And yes, I did grab a few things before they were gone. (Just don’t tell my bank account.)
Sorry – The Soundtrack To My 2 a.m. Overthinking Sessions
When I first heard Sorry, it was jarring. The guitar tuning was something I hadn’t heard before, and I was almost taken aback by the unfamiliar sounds and chords. This song is definitely one that demands your attention and requires a few listens at first.
Beabadoobee is no stranger to inventing her own unique, and sometimes wacky, guitar tunings to add an edge of originality to her songs. When I saw her open for Clairo in concert, she had three separate guitars set up to play in different tunings. It might seem strange, but just take my word for how awesome it is.
Wearing her heart on her sleeve, Bea is her most vulnerable in this tear-jerking track. Starting off slow with an indie-pop feel, the song slowly progresses to a roar of grunge rock by the final guitar solo.
When Bea shouts “I’m sorry” in the music video, while moodily strumming her guitar, the experience is so heartbreaking and otherworldly that you have to see for yourself. Her vocals still carry her signature serene tone, yet they feel much rawer and stripped down — it’s almost as if you can hear Bea holding back tears as she sings.
Bea explained that the song “is an apology, confessing [her] mistakes in a friendship and watching someone who [she] love[s] breakdown and fade away as a person,” and also incorporates “the idea of dismissing something because it felt too close home and a personal reminder to never take for granted what that person could have had.”
I swear I’m not crying.
Overall, Fake It Flowers has to be one of my most anticipated albums of 2020. It oozes girl power and retro revivalism, and I think that’s the kind of strong, unique music Gen Z deserves to rock out and bop their heads to.
But for now, make sure to stream Care and Sorry for clear skin and spectacular vibes.
Maya Lang is an Online Writer at Rowdy Magazine. She enjoys playing guitar, staying up far too late, and daydreaming about living in the '80s. You can reach her on Instagram @mayaxlang for more info and movie recommendations.