Lulu Simon’s sophomore EP, Muscle Memory, is the perfect balance of bubblegum pop and storytelling. Muscle Memory tells vignettes from Simon's life pertaining to heartbreak, yearning, fun nights out and loneliness. It encapsulated a great spectrum of emotions and instances so there’s something for everyone.
Divided in perfect half the first three songs of the EP “All In”, “Something” and “Driftwood” showcase Simon’s ability to blend in with the other “main pop girlies” like Carly Rae Jepsen and Charli XCX. “All In” is a fun bubblegum pop song about a great night out, the song features a trippy and dreamy synth paired with Simon’s stronger vocals which is reminiscent of early Charli XCX. The lead single off the EP “Something” features some of the most relatable of Simon’s lyrics. The song tells the tale of a failed relationship and the hope that deep down there’s still “something.” While the singles lyrics are very raw featuring lines like “I just leave the door open// In case we’re still something” and “I’ve still got your picture on my wall// I haven’t found the time to take it down.” But the production done by Griffin Emerson perfectly balances out the very honest lyrics with a very dreamy production that features synths, breathy layered harmonies and a snappy bass line. Finally “Driftwood” is the perfect transitional song between the first and latter half of the EP. “Driftwood” at its core is telling a story while it sets a scene in the opening lines “I listened to my favorite record, over and over again/ the one we played when Emma came to stay for the weekend.” It starts far more stripped back than the previous tracks with a descending scale synth with her isolated vocals which reminds me a lot of early 2010s Colbie Caillat. The song describes the growth Simon underwent during a heartbreak and feels like the more introspective sister to the earlier track “All In.”
The latter half of the EP is far more stripped back, truly highlighting the singer’s vocal range and ability to write relatable and truth filled lyrics. “Already The End” describes the longing, the hurting and reflection that comes alongside going through a harrowing breakup. The song is so relatable as everyone knows this feeling– the long night thinking how it could’ve worked in another life or how often you think of this one person despite everything that’s happened asking “how did it come to this?” This song features some of my favorite lyrics on the EP like “I reach for you, it’s subconscious/ I forgot we lost touch” and “I don’t miss you anymore/ Well, I try not to.” It feels honest and grounded which pairs perfectly with the more stripped back production. The closing track of the EP “Being Alone Is The Best” is the pinnacle of the album with the perfect balance of pop production and stripped back lyricism– the track features an unlikely but perfect pairing of synths with acoustic guitar. “Being Alone Is The Best” is the anthem for every person in a new environment who’s having a hard time adjusting with lyrics like “There’s not a person in LA who gives a shit about me anyway.” The song feels like a warm hug and a call out all at once.
At her core Simon is a storyteller and this EP exemplifies this fact perfectly as she tells the tales of loneliness, isolation, heartbreak and growth. As a second EP this collection of tracks shows how the artist has refined her sound and found that works best with her pop persona whilst still telling heartfelt and honest stories.
Words by Minna
