Nell Mescal - Can I Miss It For A Minute? (Album Review)

Photo: Sophie Scott

Nell Mescal has garnered attention on social media for both her raw, personal TikToks and witty comments on the output of her older brother, actor Paul Mescal. Her engaging approach has helped develop a fanbase even before the arrival of her debut EP, ‘Can I Miss It For A Minute?’, which should cement her position as one to watch. 

Its five tracks each feel like a peek into Mescal’s diary as she explores growing up, friendship break-ups, and moving away to London after leaving school to boost her career. The nostalgic Warm Body is a fitting introduction to her musical universe, with her delicate vocals blending seamlessly with acoustic guitars as she reflects on her fear of losing loved ones. The song gradually builds in intensity, transitioning from a gentle ballad to a powerful crescendo of sound, effectively capturing the conflict within. 

The standout moment here is Killing Time, a song that enables Mescal to channel her melancholy into an indie-pop tune driven by captivating melodies and a vibrant ambience.

It tells a sincere, relatable story that is faithful to her emotional experience, standing out as a good example of Mescal harnessing the openness behind her social media connection in a songwriting sense.

Mescal finds solace in the cathartic conclusion of July as she confidently declares “it’s all over”. As the cinematic arrangement reaches a graceful conclusion, its gentle fade out leaves behind serene silence that further enhances the sense of calm that Mescal suggests will follow letting go.

Providing listeners with an intimate listening experience that feels reminiscent of a one-on-one therapy session, ‘Can I Miss It For A Minute?’ is crafted with care and attention to detail. Each track offers a unique perspective on Mescal’s experiences while underlining her place as one of the most exciting pop artists of 2024. 

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