Theoretical Girl, who is, in fact, a living, breathing and rather nifty singer-songwriter from Southend on Sea, offers a hint of evolution on her new single, ‘Rivals’.
Although she’s still using cute little drum machine patterns, with repeated vocals and looped guitar lines, listen carefully and there’s something new going on here. Piano! Violin! Cunningly faded into the mix without anyone really noticing! Even with these extra elements though, it’s still a little bit one-trick pony, but a likable pony all the same.
B-side ‘I Still Want You’ hints at the heights TG is capable of when she drops the beats and lets her acoustic songs canter off into the sunset. Er, do ponies canter?
Words: Joe Downie