When it comes to setting an atmosphere, ‘Siren’ by Sad Cypress manages to be very effective in record time. The track’s opening bars suggest a mix of dreampop and sadcore influences, creating a pleasing mix of indie and folk. The bright accompanying vocal also puts in some hard yards, with the performer’s crying tones mixing broad indie pop strokes with the pure tones of Sally Oldfield. Allowing the melody to grow, a steady rhythm and warm bass build up a tune that has occasional echoes of something delivered by Kate Bush circa ‘Never For Ever’, while retaining enough of its own character to be a hugely effective vehicle for Sad’s own talents. …And then, having reeled in the listener with something very interesting, the everything stops dead. This isn’t done in a way that seeks to wrong-foot or frustrate the audience, but it still has the effect of leaving everyone wondering where such a broad, sweeping melody might have gone, if only it had been allowed to grow further.

In terms of allowing the audience a greater insight into Sad Cypress’s emotional pull, ‘It Means A Lot To Me’ does an arguably better job. Floating above the sounds of the rolling sea, a sparse piano throws out a haunting melody, with slow, thoughful notes creating a semi-fractured blanket of sound that turns out to be perfect for the chosen vocal. Here, Sad Cypress adopts a deeper tone at times, vaguely echoing the more commercial side of PJ Harvey’s work, which is a perfect companion for the track’s orchestrated elements which draw from the worlds of Father John Misty and ‘Five Leaves Left’ era Nick Drake. This blends the past and present with a deftness that’s impressive, especially given how understated the results actually are. Perhaps even more so than ‘Siren’, this musical sketch piques a genuine interest in the artist’s very emotive songwriting and sound.

Designed as a primer for her ‘Princess of Cups’ EP, this two tracker gives an interesting glimpse from within the Sad Cypress universe. There are snatches of sound present during ‘Sirens’ that suggest the performer will really connect with those who love expressive pop rock with an arty twist, and the sparser musical angle offered by the rather lovely ‘It Means A Lot To Me’ gives the feeling of something that has a slow-burning appeal. Those who like these tracks from the off will certainly end up absolutely loving them over time. This may be a short release, but it’s big on impact, and definitely recommended listening.

July 2026