Melanie Baker reminds herself to slow down in latest EP ‘Burnout Baby’

Artwork for “All My Plants Have Died“

The Newcastle-based UK singer-songwriter Melanie Baker released her latest EP ‘Burnout Baby’ via indie label Daemon T.V. – an honest reflection on seeking truth in a fast-paced world. With raw and heartfelt lyricism, the 6-track project takes listeners on a journey that aims to cut deep.

Breaking genre barriers, Baker explores a variety of sonic landscapes, refusing to be confined to a single style. Angsty alt-rock melodies and soothing indie-tracks guide listeners through a spectrum of emotions, tied together by a consistent sense of urgency as Baker confronts her own struggles with burnout, anxiety, and the pressure to keep up in a success-driven society.

The short intro-track “This Won’t Be Pretty” starts off by directly diving into her existential crisis – setting the theme for the EP. The repetition of the phrases “I don’t know where I’m going” and “I don’t know anything” adds a mantra-like quality, emphasizing how deeply engrained they are within her. Layered harmonies, accompanied by angelic giggles in the background, create a sense of distance and transport the listeners, as if they are floating above her identity crisis. With Bakers dreamy voice as the centerpiece hugged by gentle synths, “This Won’t Be Pretty” sure does sounds pretty.  

The EP’s title track “Double Decker Death Machine” encapsulates the essence of catchy alt-rock infused with a melodic pop sensibility. At the heart of the song lies the poignant refrain, “don’t burnout, baby!” – a sing-along anthem that not only serves as a personal reminder for Baker but also provokes the listeners to confront their own conformity of life and rethink purpose. Here, heavy lyrics are combined with catchy hooks, giving an optimistic outlook despite Baker clearly still being knee deep in her identity crisis.

Artwork for “I don’t cry like I used to“

While “Double Decker Death Machine” sets the stage with its catchy alt-rock vibe, it’s the two back-to-back pieces “Waiting List” and “I don’t cry like I used to” that truly capture the essence of the emotional and physical exhaustion of Bakers burnout. Going from overworking herself in “Waiting List”, she delves into her reluctance to face the day and the weariness “of being tired, of being tired, of being tired” in “I don’t cry like I used to”: “I should probably go to bed now” – “I don’t wanna get up early, I just don’t see the point”. Both tunes are equally mellow and soft, underlined with dreamy violins– showcasing Bakers strength in translating her emotions with her songwriting.

“Love is for Losers” takes a departure into a more folky sound. Crafted around a tender guitar arrangement, this track is the most stripped-down piece of the project. Thematically distancing itself from the introspective nature of the rest of the EP, Baker taps into the struggles of navigating through a relationship where one constantly feels defeated. Every line is sung in tandem with a male vocalist, adding more weight to the emotions conveyed – painting a portrait of worn-out lovers. With each repetition of yet another mantra, “love is for losers”, the listener is drawn deeper into the emotional landscape of the song.

After an emotional rollercoaster, the project ends with a banger. If the rest of the EP has not convinced the listeners that Melanie Baker is an artist of variety, the standout track “All My Plants Have Died” will do the job. Fast-paced, angsty and frustrated, each line builds up the next one. It starts out as a catchy indie-rock hymn but quickly develops into something unexpected and is once again, genre bending. My personal favorite part: the rapid-fire lyrics in the last third of the song that capture the whirlwind of emotions and offer a cathartic release for both Baker and the listener.

While previous tracks tapped into sadness and melancholy, this one channels unbridled anger, serving as a powerful testament to Baker's ability to navigate a range of emotions with authenticity and depth. With its explosive energy and relentless pace, "All My Plants Have Died" brings the EP to a thrilling conclusion, leaving listeners both exhilarated and emotionally stirred.

If you draw one conclusion from this text, let it be to take some time out of your day, put on this 21-minute project and let Melanie Baker set some things into perspective. This EP serves as a reminder to distance yourself from the expectations of a demanding society, to take care of yourself, and maybe your houseplants as well. Let’s not burnout, baby!