Biig Piig - Bubblegum

That ‘Bubblegum’ is billed as a mixtape goes some way to describe the broad range it covers. Single ‘Kerosene’ is perhaps most aligned to the foundations of mixtapes; a frenetic slab of house beats straight out of New York DJ Yaeji’s playbook. The stateside influence is evident in the Deb Never-featuring ‘Picking Up’, which builds a bustling blend of R&B and hyperpop. But the gentle nature of Biig Piig’s previous work remains in the alt-pop of ‘In The Dark’ and the melancholic ‘Liquorice’ - both caught under the neon city lights. The seven tracks unfold as an exploration of new cities, friends, and emotions. “I can be anyone,” she sings on ‘Ghostin’’, revelling in the freedom offered by unknown places. Jess is discovering and experimenting with new sounds, ones that reflect the various facets of a transient life. ‘This Is What They Meant’ celebrates the result of looking at cities with fresh eyes, while the record concludes with an expression of sombre escapism; “I’m dancing to forget you,” she sings. The mixtape allows space for this experimentation, jumping from one emotion to the next, yet finds consistency in Biig Piig’s inability to stand still.