The brainchild of another collaboration with producer Zubin Hensler, Mythopoetics highlights how the duo’s work continues to complement each other perfectly.

Just over a year on from the release of The Caretaker, Half Waif is back with her fifth studio album of creative genius, Mythopoetics. Having teased the record with the release of singles ‘Take Away The Ache’, ‘Orange Blossoms’, and ‘Party’s Over’ earlier this year, the much-anticipated album has proven to live up to expectations. 

The brainchild of another collaboration with producer Zubin Hensler, Mythopoetics highlights how the duo’s work continues to complement each other perfectly. Having initially entered the studio with the hopes of reworking and refreshing old material, the album becomes even more impressive on the realisation it wasn’t created intentionally; a natural, authentic work of art. 

Opening the album, ‘Fabric’ offers a soft introduction, accompanied by Nandi’s heavenly vocals and piano. The opener is short and sweet, standing at just over one minute, yet stirs a sense of intrigue into what’s to come, and with an opening line such as “Have I forgotten how to be alone? / I blame you”, rightly so. ‘Swimmer’ bounds into second place on the record, demanding your full attention. A complete contrast to that of the opener, ‘Swimmer’ shows Nandi returning to her renowned synth-pop sound, doing what she does best. 

As the album continues, it becomes obvious why it came about so organically; the singer’s artistic evolution is clear. While she goes back to basics more often this time around, letting her piano and voice take centre stage, she manages to retain her familiar synth-pop sound that defines Half Waif. Nearly halfway through the record, ‘The Apartment’ demands your attention instantly. With Nandi’s vocals taking centre stage, opening line “I wanna see you smile / Enough for the both of us” is enough to make you stop in your tracks and listen. A stripped-back song, it stands out amongst the rest of the setlist, a combination of stunning vocals and intense emotion. It quickly becomes clear that Mythopoetics is a masterpiece; a personal account of intimacy, and heightened emotion. Half Waif’s songwriting abilities never falter; they continue to evolve as does the artist. 

As the setlist continues, a theme of self-reflection becomes apparent, as each track touches upon important life lessons, and she incorporates significant realisations. ‘Orange Blossoms’ offers Nandi holding herself accountable, in a powerful yet captivating way. As she howls, “Somebody hold my head up / Somebody hope that I don’t give up, not this time”, her voice breaks into an almost cry for help. Through heart-wrenching lyrics accompanied by an equally dramatic sound, ‘Orange Blossoms’ becomes, arguably, the standout track on the album. 

The NYC-based artist doesn’t stop there, however, as Mythopoetics remains outstanding until the very last second. ‘Sodium & Cigarettes’ begins to close the album, offering a harrowing account of being entangled with others. Accountability and hurt provide listeners with a sense of familiarity as emotions drift amongst the lyrics. The final track, ‘Powder’, provides a stunning close to the 12-track masterpiece, finalising an intense, but captivating listen. A slow finish, it wraps up the record perfectly. 

Mythopoetics offers an intimate and intense account of Half Waif’s emotions and experiences. Conceptually defined, it presents an impeccable ability to resonate with listeners in ways many artists can only dream of. To sing with such urgency, yet tinged with an avoidable sadness, creates a powerful sense of emotionality. Half Waif’s creative talents remain unmeasurable.