Georgia
Seeking Thrills

I discovered this artist thanks to the soundtrack of Pes 2020, the famous Konami sports video game that for years has presented intriguing indie market talents. One of the tracks that struck me the most was "Started Out", which not by chance opens the dances of her new album Seeking Thrills: an irresistible mix of '80s synth-pop and modern sounds, spiced with a singing style very close to Kate Bush. A beautiful voice that Georgia has, I must say, very sensual but also with more abrasive edges when needed. The artist's background is quite interesting for electro-maniacs like myself, as she is the daughter of a certain Neil Barnes whom some will easily associate with Leftfield. Georgia Rose Harriet Barnes also has a long career as a percussionist and a debut album that wasn't exactly very successful. Seeking Thrills, therefore, isn't just seeking thrills, but possibly also a new audience.

The rules of a perfect pop album dictate starting with a bang, and as mentioned, Started Out welcomes all Pro Evolution Soccer fans with its now familiar atmosphere. The track is truly phenomenal from start to finish; for me, it was love at first listen and holds up well even after listening endlessly in the game's menus. The rest of Seeking Thrills won't reach that peak again, although it maintains excellent standards. All the tracks are quite short, rich, and full of vitality. About Work The Dancefloor pushes the "80s" pedal to the floor with a disco-pop-synth that, while not inventing anything new, is pleasant to listen to in its entirety, with the claim of leaving you with something. Never Let You Go and 24 Hours continue the same modern reinterpretation discourse, with the awareness that all the best is now behind us, Mellow and Ray Guns instead change course towards something more experimental and bizarre, touching on hip-hop, trap, '90s sirens, and several other things. There's always a firm hand on the wheel, despite the colorful journey, and Ultimate Sailor heavily reinforces the vocal bond with Kate Bush, with a sweet ballad characterized by a heart-wrenching introduction. Georgia's voice is nothing short of phenomenal and engaging.

The Thrill and Feel It still underline the belonging of the work to electronics, even evoking certain nostalgic '90s house and indie impulses, while Honey Dripping Sky closes the album with an evocative atmosphere and a bizarre final minute that you just don't expect. Kudos for the courage. An alternative version of Never Let You Go is also present at the end. This Seeking Thrills is a more than pleasant record, a pop work that effectively marries quite high ambitions, confirming an undisputed talent. Between yesterday and today (more yesterday), between accessibility and experimentation, with intelligence and commendable control of resources. If you loved the Pes 2020 soundtrack, give it a listen.