Live Review: PREMIERE: TROPHIE runs the game on 'Tomb Raider'

From the very start, Sydney producer/vocalist TROPHIE has built a reputation for herself as a genre outsider. Her first release, titled Death To Pop, felt like a battle cry against the rigid machine of mainstream acknowledgements of pop and since then has become more of a prophecy. The true definition of the genre gets foggier with every new pop niche Spotify creates a playlist for and big name artists looking for a redefinition of their sound. But TROPHIE continues to broaden her own definition with every new release.

Marking the start of a collaborative era for the artist, 'Tomb Raider' sees the fiercely independent talent team up with fellow pop rebel MATTU on production for a dose of rubbery pop and cocky empowerment. It's a taste of what's to come on her incoming EP 2049, that will see TROPHIE team up with the next generation of boundary pushing songwriting talent.

Described by TROPHIE as a soundtrack "to inspire hungry badasses to get what they're after", the track backs snappy delivery with textural synth stabs and a bass line to match the intimidating vocal energy. The arrogance across the track feels totally earned alongside her strong back catalog of self made music and plenty of time grinding behind the scenes to make this project happen.

Aggressive synths 'Tomb Raider' the track, with their wubs, squeaks and stabs bringing movement punctuated with sharp percussive hits. The gritty intensity of the production feels very true to TROPHIE's vision across her music, and in finding MATTU she has found a producer with a similar approach to pop's widening definition. With this track proving her ear for finding collaborators on her wavelength, 2049 is set to pack even more of a punch as TROPHIE explains "My aim with this mixtape is to really stake my claim and prove that big things are ahead."

With this new release, TROPHIE continues to innovate on the pop formula and shows a strength in collaboration and versatility. 'Tomb Raider' is a huge bop loaded with so much boss bitch energy it will have you accepting nothing less than what you're worth in all facets of life, so be prepared for all those diamonds.

'Tomb Raider' by TROPHIE is out on Pallettes on the 30th of May, with her five track EP 2049 due for release later in the year.

Words by HOLLY O’NEILL

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