‘American Housewife’ by Anna Henson is the Early 2000s Inspired Rock and Roll EP You’ve Been Waiting For
‘American Housewife’ is a stunning homage to early 2000s rock and roll, but at the same time, Anna Henson allows her unique artistic sound to shine through. With sassy vocals and punchy guitar and drum instrumentals, Henson welcomes you to her world of red lipstick smudged around the edges, and cigarettes on a lunch break. The debut EP from Chicago-based singer-songwriter Anna Henson is a groovy mix of rock and roll and pop elements that feels fresh and nostalgic all at once.
photo by Athena Merry @goldrosecrown
“Bluff" is sassy and grounded with grungy instrumentals and tough rock and roll drums and guitar. The lyrics are fiery and delivered with a spunky and upbeat tone that makes you want to sing and dance along: “Don’t call my bluff/just say I’m too much/don’t whisper the words/it makes me hurt worse/are you down for a quick conversation/don’t call my bluff.” Henson’s energy and passion is palpable, envious, and contagious. Clashing instrumentals keep you engaged and guessing as the song takes a deep, dark, and twisted dive in the bridge before exploding into an addictive final chorus that features strong guitar riffs and powerful vocals.
“Sunday” takes you down a different road, but not too far where you feel lost. The EP takes a different route just long enough for you to explore Henson’s range as an artist and songwriter. “Sunday” is more relaxed, and Henson’s vocals are smooth like honey, but rich with character and a slight twang, like a slice of lemon in a crisp Diet Coke. Jumping instrumentals make for a fun, playful, and addictive chorus you can’t get enough of. These instrumentals build throughout the bridge and a nostalgic and stinging guitar instrumental brings the track to a satisfying conclusion.
photo by Athena Merry @goldrosecrown
“Lucky Pennies” is the shining star of the EP because while it is the most somber track, and instrumentally has the most unique sound, Henson finds the freedom to flex her vocal range and talent. The piano instrumentals from Ashlyn Sisco (@ashlynsisco) are rich and add a surprising, but refreshing element to the EP as a whole. Henson’s lyrics and vocals find a delicate balance between anger and melancholy that the piano reflects beautifully from start to finish: “I’m gonna choose my next words real wisely/can’t rely on picking up lucky pennies/I’m putting on his t-shirt I feel sexy/how much does it take to make you undress me?”
photos by Athena Merry @goldrosecrown
“21st Century Female” is the perfect note to end on. The EP returns to its classic rock and roll sound, but with Henson’s cheeky and sparkling vocals, she introduces fun pop elements reminiscent of an early 2000s girl band. The song comes to an exciting conclusion with echoing backing vocals that are layered and mixed to perfection with passionate drums and guitar.
With just four songs, Henson’s debut EP American Housewife showcases her wide range of vocal and songwriting skills that will only evolve and improve with time. ‘American Housewife’ gives listeners anticipation for where Henson might go in her next EP, or hopefully, her debut album!
