Emerging Voices

Filipina-Brit pop songstress Bea Kristi, aka Beabadoobee, delivers a strong dose of what the present should feel like through 90’s rom-com tainted glasses. And it’s everything our weary pandemic mood needs.

The 90s are the new 80s. Just ask Taylor Swift who sings about “coming back stronger than a 90s trend,” in her pandemic-inspired hit “Willow.” The 90s is the source of creative inspiration for British singer Bea Kristi, aka Beabadoobee, who delivers a frothy Indie-pop ladened with 90s riffs and references. 

In her lates album, “Fake It Flowers” she brings this cinematic, or “Dawson’s Creek”-worthy soundtrack feel to the forefront. Lyrics of unrequited crushes, “it’s complicated” anthems, and coming-of-age stories are served with lush choruses and melodies. The lingering feeling is redolent of Six Pence None The Richer coupled with a dose of alt-rockers Garbage.

In one of the album’s most memorable tracks “Worth it,” Kristi sings “You say that you're breaking up.
Connection too slow. So just try texting again. Don't pick up the phone. Don't think we can be friends
'Cause you're too pretty. I wanna see you again. I don't know what I'm saying.” And just like that she delivers a consciously-or-not take on budding 90s digital connections, the elusive command of emotions and expression, and, despite its specific sound, the timeless essence of young love. The feels reach a culmination with a nod to the 90s Emo movement with the not subtly titled track “Emo Song.”

Beabadoobee’s aesthetics run rampant with retro vibes as she sports grunge styles and indie club kid aesthetics taken straight from “Trainspotting.” These looks come to life in her post-lockdown track aptly entitled “Last Day on Earth.” It’s a visual journey of carefreeness, partying and youthful rebellion. It’s also a hopeful vision for getting lost in the wondrous power of the night, a treat many have missed and will surely embrace. Here is to the new dawn those nights will bring.