Griff Mesmerises on New EP, Ver2igo Vol. 2
English singer-songwriter Griff returns with the second part of her dizzying EP series, vertigo.
This new release comes as the younger sister to her much-loved vert1go vol. 1, released in late 2023. Featuring hit singles Vertigo, and Astronaut – a daintily drafted single which features piano from Coldplay’s Chris Martin – the follow-up was set to be a tall order to beat. Yet ver2igo vol. 2 has again, delivered Griff at her best.
The EP’s lead single, Miss Me Too, explores the profound impact a relationship can have on an individual, reflecting on moments of innocence and idealism from the past. Lines such as “like a rosy tint on a glass lens / And I thought I would be oh so whole again,” evoke the hopeful anticipation of a blossoming romance through an optimistic lens, reminiscing about a time before the relationship soured. And this candid approach to lyricism is something that Griff excels at.
Following Miss Me Too is Hole In My Pocket, a softly spoken track with a distinctive likeness to a crooning lullaby. Pleasant throughout, it somewhat lacks the emotive depth we’re used to hearing from the Herefordshire-born singer. But by no means does this make it a skip. It’s peppered with gentle backing vocals that add interest to this simplistic melody, and it’s this element that makes it somewhat of an earworm, lingering in your ears during the post-listen haze.
Pillow In My Arms is the track required to begin driving energy after the soft sounds of Hole In My Pocket. Launching into an anthemic chorus a mere minute after pressing play, the melody is perfectly crafted to highlight Griff’s vocal range. Dressed with gentle synths that weave effortlessly with airy harmonies, Pillow In My Arms is packed with emotion – priming us for the electro-pop-driven crescendo in Cycles.
Constructed by legendary producer Mura Masa, best known for his 2016 hit Love$ick featuring A$AP Rocky, it’s no surprise that Cycles delivers on its electro-infused credentials. It’s a complete departure from Griff’s established sound, boasting a dance-laden production value and breezy vocal performance. It’s a powerful EP ender and one which many wouldn’t expect from the young singer-songwriter.
But this four-track release packs a powerful punch, brimming with hopeful anticipation and the signature Griff sound that won her the Brits Rising Star award back in 2021. So, what’s next? Hopefully, a full-length album that cements her as one of the UK’s most exciting new artists.
