Though a quick 12 minutes and some change, this mini album leaves its listeners with the perfect mix between satisfied and wanting more - exactly the duty, in my opinion, of any EP.
Released first as a single, “Kamikaze Comic” is a drastic turn from Hawke’s more acoustic tracks. There is none of the raspy voice Hawke is known for, but the catchy chorus, intense drums, and higher production make up for that loss. I find myself reminiscing about heartbreaking friendships gone by through the lines “I hate the way you treat me / Like I’m just one of your characters,” which are even more relatable when she repeats “I don’t know what’s so funny” throughout the track. Though a break from the more character-driven or abstract tracks Hawke is best at, “Kamikaze Comic” was meant to be a single.
“You Won’t Feel A Thing” marks the EP’s return to the acoustic melodies we’re used to from Hawke. Though the lyrics are ambiguous, it is clear that Hawke has a distinct control over–and relationship with–words and sounds. The chorus solidifies Hawke’s power over language; who else would describe themselves as “Crocodile eyeballs rising in the canal / cock-smile birds call crushing on an old pall?” This relationship shines even more in the third track, “Jack London,” which demands to be listened to on a sunny afternoon. The simple tune allows Hawke’s raspy vocals to shine, and shine they do when she sings “Don’t know why the hell I’m here / If I’m not here for you.”
Hawke’s poeticism is finalized in the closing track, “New For No One.” Thanks to Hawke’s website, it is clear one of the Clipped Wings tracks is about turning 22 during a pandemic. If I may take a guess, that might just be the subject of this funky song. The focal point here is on her lyrics, as is usual with Hawke’s work. This song is for those who can’t help but tear up on our birthdays, or find the poetry in the crashing waves. When Hawke sings “Went through the trouble of being reborn / but there was nothing to be done / Everything is new to me / and I am new for no one,” she is singing to you, yes you.
This isn’t an EP you should listen to on its own, so queue it up after its predecessor, Chaos Angel, and enjoy. As Billy Collins writes in his poem, “Introduction to Poetry,” Maya Hawke’s songs are not meant to be beat with a hose for clarity. Instead, “press an ear against (their) hive” and have a little fun with Hawke’s poetry.