After just three singles in the shape of ‘South Suburban Weekend’, ‘Star In A Reasonably Priced Car’ and ‘Nothing But A Smile’, the Rubberband Girl project has generated a wealth of enthusiasm. In a visionary blend of modern bedroom pop, timeless soul and throwback trip-hop, the band – led by Caitlyn Scarlett – has carved out a niche with a perky live sound and suburban girl-next-door lyricism. Now Rubberband Girl show that the strength of their singles translates into an engaging full-length set with today’s release of their debut album ‘Profiterole Vision’.
Caitlyn says, “‘Profiterole Vision’ is the body of work that I’m most proud of creating in my 11 year career. I started Rubberband Girl with the legendary Jonathan Quarmby during lockdown 2020, after experiencing major creative burnout. The idea behind the project was to convey my most authentic sound and create something that would make myself and others happy. It’s the most lyrically positive and sunny music I’ve ever written and is intended to speak to many generations in an effort to promote unity and collaboration. I have been influenced by so many decades and genres and I’m proud that this album reflects that in a way that still feels fresh and exciting.”
Each single so far has captured a different angle to the Rubberband Girl sound, but has been united by quirky, conversational lyricism and a buoyant spirit to match the summer months. First the rare indie-pop / acid jazz hybrid of ‘South Suburban Weekend’ felt like a next generation hybrid of Lily Allen and A Tribe Called Quest before ‘Star In A Reasonably Priced Car’ found the missing link between classic ’90s radio pop and contemporary alt sounds. And then the disco-tinged ‘Nothing But A Smile’ captured the sophistication of Jessie Ware with the youthful exuberance of an artist making their first mark on the world.
That feeling of both having the world at your feet and facing the challenges of young adulthood continues to shine throughout, especially on the new focus track ‘Supercynical’. There are no flashy production embellishments or unusual genre collisions here as it’s a track that doesn’t need it – Caitlyn’s bright, optimistic vocal and chirpy, crashing piano melodies makes its own definitive statement. And like the album’s broader themes, its message is purely uplifting. Some moments in life aren’t easy, but what can you do other than face them head on?
From there, ‘Profiterole Vision’ drops highlight-after-highlight, including the contrast of lilting grooves and maximalist funk that makes ‘Weeds’ so engagingly off-kilter, and Caitlyn’s most captivating vocal performance on ‘Summer Forever’. Even the darker titles have a playful tone to them. Coming across like a reborn Morcheeba, ‘In Hell’ targets an enemy with the mirthful missive, “You should be here as well,” while ‘London Rain’ is the gloomy backdrop for the freedom that comes with both leaving a bad relationship and overcoming addiction. The best is saved for last, with ‘All We Have Is’ ending on a triumphant, feelgood high.
Caitlyn wrote the entire ‘Profiterole Vision’ album with its renowned producer, the Grammy, BRIT and Ivor Novello award winner Jonathan Quarmby (Benjamin Clementine, Tom Walker, Lewis Capaldi), as well as friends and frequent collaborators including Jamie Haj (Pixie Lott), Raf Riley (Etta Bond, Avelino) and Future Cut, who are well known for co-writing Lily Allen’s debut album.
While Caitlyn brings eleven years of music experience to ‘Profiterole Vision’, she’s still in her twenties. After extensive work as a collaborator for Little Simz, Ms Banks, Rudimental, Subtronics and more, the Rubberband Girl project presented an opportunity to step out on her own merits. You can hear traces of many of her key influences throughout – Caroline Polachek, Mitski, Lorde, Tame Impala, Lily Allen, Stevie Nicks and Joni Mitchell – while subsequent comparisons to Susanne Sundfør and Kate Bush are relevant too.
The album’s narrative is shaped by moments in her own life. Some from her teenage years in Bray, Berkshire, where the village’s beauty and safety nonetheless felt limiting for someone young and ambitious, and some from the ordinary experiences that come with the daily routines and wilder episodes of the twenty-something city experience. But it’s not a set of intense self-reflection, more a celebration of what once was, as well as looking ahead to what comes next.
‘Profiterole Vision’ tracklist:
- ‘South Suburban Weekend
- ‘Star In A Reasonably Priced Car’
- ‘Nothing But A Smile’
- ‘Supercynical’
- ‘Weeds’
- ‘In Hell’
- ‘Summer Forever’
- ‘Sunday Morning Stuff’
- ‘London Rain’
- ‘All We Have Is’
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