Tailspin
Schoolkids, 2026
9/10
The Los Angeles artist Eleni Mandell returns after a 7 year hiatus with a batch of personal songs that touch on pop, rock, jazz and folk and might bring to mind Phoebe Bridgers or PJ Harvey.
“How Will I Know” opens with warm acoustic guitar and expressive singing with a jangle and timeless folk quality, and “Music And Motion” follows with programmed drums and Nigel Harrison’s skilled bass that complements the sing-alongs.
Landing near the middle, the lullaby “Mama Loves You” recruits Circe Diaz Gamero’s stirring cello amid much beauty, while “Hard To Be Lonely” tugs on the heartstrings with its emotive piano and powerful lyrics that surround alienation.
Close to the end, “Trying To Remember How To Save You” is just Mandell’s inviting voice and cozy acoustic guitar before male vocals enter the gentleness, and “Old Man, Old Dog” exits with Alex Budman’s colorful clarinet suiting the playful nature.
Mandell turns heartbreak into really great art here, where the songs are relatable, timeless and diverse, and clever observations, plenty of charm and even moments of despair are present.
Travels well with: Julia Haltigan- Trouble; Rachael Sage- Canopy