Musical Brooklyn is a pulsating artery of cultural intersections and time. Here, music is born in spontaneous experiments, soaked in the spirit of freedom, and intertwined with the aesthetics of the metropolis. This neighborhood has become a Mecca for indie rock, punk, and the alternative scene, fostering a bold style and uncompromising sincerity.
Once, it was home to the early days of The Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and TV on the Radio, but today, Brooklyn introduces a new name – Brooke (full name Brooke Cleary). Her debut EP “AWAY TODAY” establishes Brooke as a voice of Generation Z, embracing experimentation and new challenges. Hailing from Boston, she brought her creativity to Brooklyn, where since 2020 she has been composing music that balances between avant-garde and accessibility. She independently produces her tracks, blending electronic elements with live instruments, creating a vibrant mix of electropop, avant-garde sounds, and her distinctive vocals. Her journey is a story of transformation: from a young drummer immersed in jazz and funk to an artist who found herself through exploring the music business.
Photo by @brookeclearyy
The EP “AWAY TODAY” is a mix of genres and moods. The first track, “you watch me break”, is a bold statement of self. Collaborating with Finnish producer Zone Diem, Brooke delves into the chaos of a crumbling relationship against a backdrop of futuristic synths and a pulsating bassline. The song starts almost deceptively gentle, but as the tension builds, the sound grows heavier: rich electronic layers, intense vocal lines, and daring beats are added, symbolizing an inner conflict. The track’s sound slides from one extreme to another, reminiscent of early 2010s mainstream but with a predatory sharpness that reflects Brooke’s style.
In contrast, the second track, “All I Ever Wanted”, stands out with its energy: tart guitar riffs burst into the track, interwoven with sharp, striking drums. The song races like a Formula 1 car, with melodies conveying a sense of constant motion. Yet, amidst this frenetic pace, Brooke’s voice remains calm, sounding crystal clear, as if observing the chaos from a distance.
Brooke’s musical style blends diverse elements of indie pop and indie. For instance, in the song “desirée”, minimalist guitar riffs create an atmosphere reminiscent of the best indie rock. Against a backdrop of funky basslines and drums with nods to pop-punk, Brooke’s vocals sound tender, and at times, passionate. In the bridge, the song unexpectedly narrows, leaving a sense of incompleteness and subtle intrigue, which amplifies its emotional impact. The track “red” combines two opposites. In its unhurried instrumental sections, filled with atmospheric textures and quiet, almost whispering vocals, there is an elusive magnetism, the song balances on the edge of vulnerability and rebellion. Its subtle intonation works to create a sensual effect.
Photo by @brookeclearyy
This effect is heightened in the track “Alarming”, where, by using minimal instrumentation, Brooke leaves space for her voice, focusing on the nuances of sound and a cinematic atmosphere. In the final track, “CLOSE ENOUGH”, the singer delivers a vibrant smoothie of rich electronic melodies and expressive vocal lines. The song feels like a bold challenge to the norms of alternative pop music, expressing the artist’s desire to push beyond familiar industry standards. In “CLOSE ENOUGH”, Brooke’s unique signature style is evident, along with her refusal to follow conventions for the sake of preserving her individuality.
The EP “AWAY TODAY” is a bold and honest look into Brooke’s world. It reveals her as an artist for whom there are no taboos, and for whom music becomes a space for experimentation and self-expression. Instead of staying within familiar boundaries, Brooke chooses to blend live instrumentation with electronics, creating the kind of alternative pop that easily becomes the soundtrack to life in a modern metropolis. Following her successful debut, the singer is already gearing up for the next stage of her career, in the summer of 2025, she will release her first full-length album, which promises to be a daring step toward dark alternative pop. This project will unveil new facets of her creativity and solidify her position as a distinctive voice on the contemporary scene. The future lights up with bright sparks, and Brooke is ready to illuminate it with her sound.
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