Worth It
Rugby Road, 2026
8/10
The NY singer-songwriter Kim McClay brings us a quick listen of her indie-pop formula that surrounds themes of rage, heartbreak, and a desperate feeling of hope.
“Velveteen Girls” starts the listen with Dustin Beardsley’s buzzing guitar and Jim Bloom’s thumping drums that complement McClay’s pretty yet firm singing, and “Firefly” follows with McClay’s warm acoustic guitar and bright storytelling amid plenty of timeless pop-rock flavor.
In the middle is where the title track lives, and it injects synth into the rhythmic climate where McClay’s range is explored playfully, while “So Close” is a heartfelt moment that benefits from Trevor Brown’s skilled bass.
“Something Like Love” exits, and it’s a stripped back, folk influenced finisher, where bouts of fuller ideas enter the thoughtful songwriting.
A diverse effort that can be emotive, just as it can be anthemic and gritty, McClay’s lyrical content is all substance, and songs follow suit via this excellent EP.
Travels well with: Bandits On The Run- Rough Magic; Amy Jay- Mnemonics