Lilyisthatyou’s ‘From The Garden I Grew’ Isn’t A Musical Carbon Copy — EP Review

Lily Davies, also known as Lilyisthatyou, started making music at 13 and released her first single seven years later, on November 13, 2020. Although ‘Heaven or Hell‘ didn’t break the charts, it built an underground buzz for its vulnerability and genuine take on dark alternative pop. With controversial and specific lyrics such as “I’ve been dead inside for fifty-two weeks,” the artist transcribed a mood that would carry her far into the future.

Following up with singles such as “FMRN,” “Party 22,” and “Purity,” the young musician built a loyal fan base that not only celebrated but craved her sex-positive anthems and explicit feminist mentality. Finally, on July 29th, 2022, a 6-song EP debuted on Warner Brothers record label titled ‘The Character.’ Its authenticity won accolades.

Now, a few EPs later, Ms. Davies is back in the limelight with her latest drop, ‘From The Garden I Grew,’ a fast, unforgiving romp into the black-and-beautiful world she has created.

Opening with a cinematic scope, “5 AM In Stockholm” flings listeners into a smoky dance club filled with booze, strangers, and a little chaos. Quick and distorted vocals echo in the listener’s head, manifesting a dreamlike experience so uncertain you won’t know whether you should have another drink or head for the exit. The surrealism is thick and palatable — swallow at your own risk.

The lyrical content includes lines like: “Every day, I feel one closer to giving all up and running. Everything is not enough; it’s like I’m always missing something,” which constructs a labyrinth within the enigma. While not the risque context she is acclaimed for, the emotional tension summons a nearly erotic journey into the hearts of strangers.

Barely 25 years old, Lily Davies proves she isn’t too young to look back at the good old days with her next song, “Nostalgia Baby.”

Keeping up the tempo and mystique, the artist stares into the camera as she replays footage from her teenage years. Powered by “sex, swag, and the fountain of youth,” Lilyisthatyou embraces the awareness that one too many drinks offers. Loosened inhibitions allow one to find tolerance in the pain and pleasure of youth.

With the alluring smell of sweat, wine coolers, and fruit-forward body spray, the artist makes a convincing argument against sheltering children too closely. The words allude to the fact that without experimentation, children can easily become feral adults.

Leaning more toward an electro-pop vibe, “Money Can’t Buy Happiness” chants an undeniably catchy mantra that sounds good but feels wrong in equal measure. The simple sentence, “Money can’t buy happiness, but I’m pretty happy right now,” contradicts a well-known philosophy taught for centuries.

Contrary to the biblical approach in 1 Timothy 6:10, Lilyisthatyou argues in favor of a worldview that prioritizes pleasure over platitudes. As newer generations have adapted to the freedom of expression, Davies promotes living in the moment and shaking off the shackles of tradition.

“Buzzball” comes in fast with a hard-hitting beat and a double-edged sword. The line  “I’m gettin what I deserve” is bookended with “People get what they deserve,” making the song feel like a humble brag secured with a threat.

Favoring karma over providence, the artist appears to believe that the end justifies the means. While hard work gets rewarded, starting trouble only gets you more trouble. Including a Buzzball in her hand, Lily Davies celebrates who she is, all the while casting aside the haters.

Creeping more slowly into “Sixth Sense,” Lilyisthatyou alters her vocal approach on this end of the project, hitting a higher octave than previous tracks and giving a song that reels like a ride on a merry-go-round.

Wanting to experience sex like a sixth sense emulates the idea of having a physical experience become an extension of one’s own body. This brings the word climax to a whole new level.

The artist adds some classical-style strings to the beats on “Chanel Laces,” setting this composition apart. It is easy to argue that Lilyisthatyou isn’t the first to introduce such fashion, but the nuance in which it is delivered spikes the punch. Using restraint by spacing the artistic chords apart shows a mind for creative music, not just a carbon copy.

Knife-edged lyrics such as “Give me a break, you’re a fake like your necklace. I know I’m a dime, I got rose-tinted lenses,” are not only poetic but precise — proving the point that authenticity breeds higher self-esteem than fraudulent costume jewelry that only taints the skin.

Rounding out the EP with “Empty Universe,” the musician explores the world of vacant accolades. Asking for real love and being shown complacent good deeds doesn’t equal vitality. Trust issues form, building barriers instead of bridges.

“Got tattoos on both my hands, but you don’t love me like that” illustrates the fading love of fanfare. Sadly, an artist is only loved for the latest hit. An echoing beat alongside haunting lyrics finishes out Lilyisthatyou’s latest project, strong and formidable. This is a solid string of hits when approached with precision and a critical ear.

While masterpiece is too strong a word to use here, ‘From The Garden I Grew’ is an exercise in excellence. This 15-minute-or-so EP builds on the artist’s career by injecting it with new life, progressing the rhythm, and deepening the lore. The musical landscape highlights the musician’s authenticity without stretching too far out of bounds.

Simply put, Lily Davies’ dark alternative pop has a bright future. Holding a candle to artists such as Ashnikko, Snow Wife, and Slayyter, Lilyisthatyou puts her name on the map and circles it with red ink. If your musical tastes have led you out of the ballpark, you better reroute your GPS.

What is your favorite track on ‘From The Garden I Grew?’ Let us know in the comments below!

Listen to ‘From The Garden I Grew.’

 

 

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