Indi Star‘s debut album, “eMotion Sick”, is a bold statement from a young artist making her mark in the ever-evolving pop landscape. The album’s title sets the tone: a clever play on “emotion” and “motion sickness,” highlighting the turbulent highs and lows that define young love, self-discovery, and personal growth. Throughout its ten tracks, Star presents a mixture of vulnerability, angst, and empowerment, tapping into relatable experiences for her largely Gen Z audience.
Opening with “Care Less,” the album immediately establishes a sense of defiance and emotional independence. Star uses the track to reject the expectations and judgments of others, with a catchy, anthemic quality that sets the stage for what’s to come. “Shapeshifter,” one of the pre-released singles, delves deeper into identity, capturing the pressure of constantly having to adjust oneself to fit in or meet the expectations of others. This theme, which recurs across the album, feels authentic and timely, resonating with anyone grappling with self-image in an age of social media and shifting norms.
A clear standout is “Too Good For You,” an empowering anthem about recognizing self-worth and breaking free from toxic relationships. It’s the kind of song that inspires strength, with a pop structure that’s both radio-friendly and emotionally charged. Star’s vocal delivery is raw yet polished, and the message is universal—perfect for the age of “relationship red flags” and self-empowerment anthems.
“Tarantino,” brings something different to the table. Co-written by a powerhouse team, it fuses high-octane energy with cinematic references to create a track that compares love to a chaotic thrill ride, much like the films of Quentin Tarantino himself. The pulsating production mirrors the emotional whirlwind of a passionate, yet destructive relationship, while the lyrics are witty and memorable. It’s easy to imagine this song playing in a summer blockbuster, evoking the rush of adrenaline and heartache.
Amid the high-energy tracks, Star also slows things down with ballads like “How To Break A Heart” and “The End,” where her vocal fragility and introspective lyricism shine. “How To Break A Heart” in particular feels like an emotional pivot point on the album, where Star shifts from anger and confusion to sadness and reflection, showing a more mature and introspective side of her artistry.
The two interludes, “The Phone Call” and “The Car,” provide transitional moments that reflect on the album’s journey. They serve as introspective pauses, giving the listener a moment to breathe before diving back into the emotional rollercoaster.
Though “eMotion Sick” is Star’s debut full-length project, it carries a level of thematic consistency and sonic coherence that many young artists often struggle to achieve. By blending personal storytelling with infectious beats and cinematic flair, Indi Star offers listeners a compelling glimpse into her world. Her influences, ranging from Billie Eilish to Dua Lipa, are present but not overwhelming, allowing her to carve out her own space in the pop landscape.
Ultimately, “eMotion Sick” is a solid debut that positions Indi Star as an artist to watch. She manages to blend the personal with the universal, all while creating tracks that feel fresh, relatable, and destined to resonate with a broad audience.
For those looking for something a bit more off the beaten path, I recommend Jenn Champion’s “Single Rider” (2018). A beautiful blend of electro-pop and introspective lyricism, it explores themes of loneliness and love with a mix of upbeat rhythms and heart-wrenching ballads. It’s an underrated gem for fans of raw, emotional pop.
–Matthew Wheeler