London-based songwriter Rue Delaney has released her debut EP, after serious industry attention and anticipation. Released via innovative LA based imprint Cascine, Hello Dark World is only four tracks long, but plenty for new fans to sink their teeth into, with futuristic production and lush vocals throughout.

The inspiration behind the EP comes from a toxic relationship Rue faced, leading her to lose all sense of her identity. This trauma has allowed the songwriter to explore in detail this pain, with a tight set of four very promising songs. It’s a great introduction to the upcoming young artist, although at times, a hard listen. The EP was written and produced in Peckham and Finsbury Park, following the themes of violence towards women, mental health, and LGBTQ+ rights.

The EP begins with Butterfly as Rue Delaney’s gently autotune vocals sing of heartbreak, whilst the weeping, reverbed guitar paints a bittersweet background to her story. Creating an image of the ‘neon night-time of London’ with its nocturnal rhythm, the EP follows themes of violence, sex and sadness. The opener evokes nostalgia with its melancholic melody, and Rue’s songwriting makes for a powerful listen – with lyrics like ‘I was chasing blue skies, in my past life’. The track finishes with sounds of birds tweeting, suggesting Rue is up till the early hours of morning, because of the toll of her heartbreak.

Reverb-soaked sounds and 80s synthpop vibrations continue onto the next track, despite her echoey, at points buried vocals, you can hear her pain bleed into the song with lyrics like ‘I hope someone will take care of you, like I used to’. Although the track could be mixed a little clearer, it’s still an emotive moment. On speaking about her co-writer and co-producer Josef Page, Rue said “The world we made in the studio helped me remove myself from the immediacy of the pain and focus on a body of work that moved me forwards.”

Next up is lead single, In Your Eyes I Die, where sultry, moody R&B production shines, before more almost vapourwave sounding, lo-fi synthpop transports us into a heavenly dream state. The themes of heartbreak, love, and loss continue onto this track, which is another standout of the EP. The closing track Rains All Day, has slightly rawer, punkier, bubblegum grunge leanings in the first leg, before erupting into D&B inspired drums, furthermore showing off Rue’s versatility and artistry. The song is an adventurous, sci-fi odyssey, and one hell of a final act.

Commenting on the project, Rue says:

“The music came directly from how I was processing an extremely rough patch. It’s easy to be swallowed by those moments. To alchemize them into art and music was a saviour for me, though I recognize not everybody has that ability. It’s why I always try to spread awareness of mental health wherever I can and make sure the people in my life know they can always turn to me”

On this EP, Rue Delaney has curated and crafted an intimate, personal, introspective tale, glowing with potential. If this is just the start for her, then we’re excited for what’s next. BBC Introducing Kent recently explained of the incredible talent: “Rue Delaney, that’s the name that you need to remember because we are expecting big, big things from her. Really, really excited for the rest of 2022 and what Rue is going to give us.” If anyone reading is yet to delve into Rue Delaney’s world, then start here.

Listen to the EP here.