Recommended Tracks: “Brutus,” “Van Gogh,” “Shiny New Things”
Artists You Might Like: GAYLE, Olivia Rodrigo, Meghan Trainor
If you think about how much there is to think about on a daily basis, then you would probably feel a step above overwhelmed. We process the news, we process relationships, we regulate our emotions and mental health… There is so much to keep tabs on, and Em Beihold is not so quick to close out of those tabs. In 2022, she openly shared her experience with antidepressants on her breakthrough single “Numb Little Bug,” which reminded listeners that it is more than okay to not only talk about mental health but to prioritize it as well. Her career then took a turn, catapulting her into a world of late night television performances, notable collaborations, and lots of touring. It was only after a period of burnout and writer’s block that Em was better able to share her story, and this story plays out on her debut album, Tales of a Failed Shapeshifter.
When it comes to shapeshifting, you can probably assume that relationships will influence the way you shift and evolve. On opening track “Scared of the Dark,” Em relives a period of co-dependency, choosing to love someone instead of walk away. The sweet yet classy strings and synth make the track playful and quirky, counteracting lyrics like, “‘Cause I’m scared of the dark / I’m scared of the part when no one else is home / No, I can’t be alone.” There’s also “Unicorn,” where Em wants preferential treatment from someone who should be left in the past. It has a sugary, dainty air about it, almost embodying what the title evokes. Still, she threatens, “Don’t you treat me like the rest / I’m your unicorn,” allowing a darkness to take control. Em then trades in this unicorn for a little “Soup!” a track that finds her sliding into reality. The energy is a little more fast-paced and rhythmic on this one, feeding into creeping and taunted melodies. Along to the strings and piano, Em sings, “I guess it’s true / You are what you eat,” and claims, “You’re no better than soup,” leaving this person to wallow in some hot liquid.
There are definitely times on Tales of a Failed Shapeshifter when Em addresses her evolution. On the mystical “Van Gogh,” she notices that she has changed, as heard in lines like, “I watch my life from above / I hold on tight to the girl I was before / But I’m not her anymore.” It’s okay to feel conflicted about letting go, but ultimately, it can be rewarding. We hear a cool confidence emanate from Em on “Hot Goblin,” where she embraces the different sides of herself. With feathery vocals, she shares, “Sometimes, I feel like I’m a hot goblin / Little bit perfect, little bit problem.” We all have personalities that make us question who we are at times, but instead of hiding who you are, why not own yourself? In the end, Em claims, “Oh, I know who I am, so I don’t care,” rising above the self-doubt.
It is not a straightforward path to get to a place of self-awareness and heightened self-worth, as we learn elsewhere on the album. On “Brutus,” Em has a bit of a Cady Heron / Regina George moment as she finds herself envious of someone else. While we know she is probably raging inside, Em keeps a bubbly and playful tone as she sings, “I don’t know if you were ever sad, but I imagine not” and “If I’m speaking honestly, I wish I had your life.” She lets her jealousy win, but on “Exorcism,” she takes a step back and re-evaluates her feelings. The lighthearted melodies add a bit of comfort to this track, fully going against the darkness and turmoil we can associate with an exorcism. Here, we learn how Em has tried to preserve her mental health, giving us lines like, “I tried my hand at meditation / But things got pretty strange / Half-baked thoughts, false information / Entangled in my brain.” Of course, not every tool or technique is going to work for everyone, which brings us to “Strong Medicine.” There’s a special mix of hard and soft on this track, heard in the skittering beats and piano. This can represent the duality of being in-sync with your thoughts and being against them, and at the end of the day, Em reveals, “Never getting better, but I’m better if I get a bit of strong medicine,” eager for a way to get “back in control.”
Along with her inner world, Em observes the world around her. With “Lottery,” she gives us a twinkly and whimsical ballad about her place in society. The lyrics are a little self-deprecating, as we hear, “I could date someone young when I start to feel old / I’d throw all these parties for people I don’t know / They’d come for the money but never for me / Oh, I’m lucky I don’t play the lottery.” You just never know what to make of certain situations, which—depending on your viewpoint—can be positive or negative. But regardless of your outlook, it is clear that times have changed. Influencers, social media trends, viral recipes, viral merch… Em observes it all on “Shiny New Things. With sass, she sings, “Don’t wanna be a cynic / But any way you spin it / Everyone wants shiny new things / Nobody wants a connection,” taking note of this new culture and the damage it does to our social skills. It is all right to want nice things, but it’s more important not to lose your humanity. Em really captures this sentiment on “Won’t Let Go,” which closes the album. This is one of the more moving tracks on the project, and it is almost an unexpected way to close the album. She holds off on the charming ditties and merry melodies, and instead, gives us a track that is sincere and heavy-hearted. This is the song you give to someone to remind them that you will always be there and you will always love them.
Overall, Tales of a Failed Shapeshifter contains many separate yet cohesive stories about relationships, personal growth, mental health, and the encounters that make us who we are meant to be. Through these “tales,” Em gives messages that can help an ever-growing shapeshifter understand who they are and where they are going, even if they believe that they are on the brink of failure. While the lyrics are more on the diaristic and contemplative side, the music has a theatrical and feel-good quality that puts fans in a special place. All in all, Tales of a Failed Shapeshifter is an outstanding listen, and Em should feel very proud of this compelling debut.
You can listen to Tales of a Failed Shapeshifter here.
In May, Em will head out on her ‘Tales of a Failed Shapeshifter’ tour. It kicks off in Dublin on May 11 and will end in Los Angeles on June 15. For the tour, Em has partnered with PLUS1 so that $1 from every ticket sold will go toward organizations protecting immigrant rights and supporting deportees, migrants, and refugees. Tickets and more information can be found here.
You can listen to Tales of a Failed Shapeshifter here.
Keep up with Em Beihold: Instagram // X // Facebook // TikTok // YouTube // Website
