by Philip Moss

The feeling of being close to someone – be that in an amorous, friendly or platonic way – is hard to replicate. But it’s this subject that is the inspiration for Molly Payton’s Warm Body – the first single taken from her upcoming Porcupine EP.

Since moving to London from her native New Zealand, Payton has been working with producer, Oil Barton-Wood (Porridge Radio, Nilüfer Yanya), and Warm Body was the first track they wrote together. Payton’s voice immediately feels familiar – most noticeably reminiscent of Courtney Barnett – but there’s a distinctness to the 19 year old’s work. Warm Body is unhurried, patient even, and despite Payton refraining with ‘everybody wants to lose control,’ there is  a noticeable maturity in the song’s restraint. Its choruses open up, rather than explode, and her voice dances around the edge of fully letting.

Payton’s way with words sees her capture her emotional reflections in a manner that appears effortless, but is absolutely astute. Say hello to Lana Del Rey for the contemporary slacker. This is relatable, funny, and simply brilliant.

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