Although ‘Spill My Guts’ is quite a graphic-sounding title, what follows is a dreamy and drifting pop song, one built of deft lines and delicate vocals, something quite removed from last year’s ‘Just For One Night’ and its more driven pop-rock grooves. But that shows the broad appeal of Jess Yaffa, an artist able to make people hit the dance floor with one release and then listen intently in pin-drop silence with the next.
As the lead single and opening track of her forthcoming EP, False Spring, which she wrote, performed, and produced herself, it is a brave song. Where most artists would opt for a big, attention-grabbing opening salvo, Yaffa understands you can be just as engaging with more gossamer, graceful sounds.
In keeping with an EP that explores the timely and timeless themes of belief and identity, of using optimism as a shield against negativity, of tackling depression, and understanding that the concept of home is as much within us as without, ‘Spill My Guts’ is about the emotional relief that comes when telling someone how you feel. Their answer matters less than the act of unburdening yourself of such pent-up emotions.
For an artist still in their early twenties, ‘Spill My Guts’ is a very astute and mature song, perhaps marking a step up from their previous work, as great as it was. But more than anything, it does what all great singles do best: it compels the listener to want to hear the EP that follows. All boxes ticked!
