Lauran Hibberd delivers with Goober.
Hailing from the Isle of Wight, 24-year-old Lauran Hibberd has a well-established reputation as a UK pop-rock queen. It’s been almost a year since she graced us with Everything Is Dogs, but Lauran is here to make her mark on 2021 with her third EP to date. Lauran is an artist who has proved time and time again that she is a force to be reckoned with, and her latest offering doesn’t disappoint.
The first track ‘Bleugh’ makes for the perfect energetic pop opening to the record. It’s rockier sounding than some of her pervious singles and features punk-inspired spoken vocals which are nicely juxtaposed with Lauran’s sweet singing voice. It’s written as a letter to a younger Lauren about a past relationship featuring some brilliant messy guitar and sarcastic lyricism. It’s easy to imagine screaming along “we’re not getting a dog” at the top of your lungs!
Next Weezer influenced ‘Old Nudes’ tackles the serious topic of nude photos with admirable confidence and wit. Lauran embraces her past mistakes as a naïve teenager, and it’s the tracks honesty that makes it so good. That, and its infectiously catchy rhythm and fuzzy guitars.
‘How Am I Still Alive’ follows and is written about coping with the bleak and mundane parts of life that we have all experienced lately. Featuring Lydia Night of The Regrettes and comprised of punchy vocals, sarcastic lyricism and more fuzzy guitars; this indie rock track is equal parts anthemic and effortless, what’s not to love?
Punchy track ‘Boy Bye’ oozes confidence and effortless charm. Sonically it’s a gloomy guitar track with a raw edge to it that proves her sound is forever evolving and changing. The track showcases a darker side to her usual bubbly-pop sound which is refreshing to hear.
As the record draws to a close indie-rock powerhouse ‘Crush’ comes in strong. Featuring rocky guitar riffs and an infectious beat, the track is loads of fun and you’re bound to have it playing on repeat all week.
Closing track ‘You Never Looked So Cool’ takes you by surprise and ends things on a softer note. Slowing down the tempo with gentle guitar strums and soft synths the track carries a darker tone and features perhaps her most emotive and personal lyrics on the EP.
In all Goober is witty, relatable, and effortlessly cool showing plenty of musical growth and sustaining Lauran’s reputation as the rising star of indie-pop. She just seems to keep getting better and brings something new to the table with each new release. Post-punk and indie-rock influences shine through here as does her infectious carefree attitude, she remains an unbothered queen and we cannot wait to see what she does next.