The Girl With No Skin
BB Island, 2024
9/10
Listen to The Girl With No Skin
The poet, activist and musician Ella Ronen tells the important story of assault that happened when she just 16, and her thoughtful vision embraces both folk and pop ideas.
The drum focused “Truth” starts the listen with Ronen’s gorgeous and expressive voice in a calm, eloquent setting, and “Undercover” follows with warm keys and Dave Nelson’s cozy bass complementing the poetic delivery.
Moving into the middle, the fuller “Fuck Cute” enters indie-rock territory with strong attention to mood and insightful social commentary, while Sam Cohen enters the intimate and heartfelt “Just Want To See You”, which pairs Ronen and Cohen’s voices with much grace alongside the emotive piano.
“Tightrope” and “Rearview” exit the listen, where the former employs Jared Samuel’s radiant keys amid crisp drums, and the latter illuminates mature piano and Ronen’s distinct voice that’s quite stirring.
A powerful and rebellious record, Ronen actually participated in a publication to expose her predator, and these tracks examine that, as well as love with obstacles and the everyday struggles of racism and misogyny that still exists today.
Travels well with: Stella Burns- The Girl With No Skin; Carmen Sea- Sorry