Recommended tracks: “Numbers 31:17-18”, “The Chicken is Naked and Afraid”, “Evergreen Soldier”
Similar artists: Paris Paloma, Kiki Rockwell, Ella Red
The third EP from industrial rockstar SOFIA ISELLA, Something is a shell ., has arrived. Expanding on her signature blend of abrasive textures and haunting melodies, this release feels both refined and even more daring.
Each track leans into a darker emotional core, pairing distorted production with vulnerable lyricism that lingers long after the music stops. There’s a palpable sense of evolution here, as Isella experiments with structure and atmosphere without losing the raw intensity that defines her sound. It’s a compact yet striking project that rewards repeat listens.
The EP opens with “Numbers 31:17-18,” whose title comes from a Bible verse that Isella speaks in the beginning behind a haunting track and church bells. The song was released as a single in January and is a truly scathing dissection of the verse it is titled after. It confronts the violent Bible passage, exploring themes of religious trauma, the justification of violence, and the objectification of women with the lyrics, “The context is missing / Long, long forgotten / Oh the context, the context is on the milk cartons / But they still fill the bottle for that silhouette of air.”
“The Chicken is Naked and Afraid” holds down the center of the EP. This track is more upbeat compared to the rest of the songs, but at the same time it dissects the disappointment Isella has found in men. It tells the story of a man being caught in the act of cheating and, in his attempt to cover it up, he just makes a fool of himself: “Throat stuffed with apology / Hands are red and caught by me / You’re attempting romance outside in the grass / You perfectly resemble a dumbass.”
“Evergreen Soldier” closes the EP on a much softer tone than what is typically expected from Isella. Accompanied by acoustic guitar, she reflects on a past romance from her youth. It is raw and intimate, yet it feels like it’s being sung to someone who is no longer in her life: “Babe, I’m coming back, just you wait / I’m running a little late / But in five years I’ll be at your doorstep, I know / I know, I know I’m late, but I’m home.”
Something is a shell . is a welcomed addition to SOFIA ISELLA’s already impressive discography. The young artist has never been one to shy away from harsh topics and abrasive sounds, and this is truly no different. Each track feels so raw, yet collected at the same time, as though we’re getting a glimpse into Isella’s personal journal.
Listen to Something is a shell . below and untangle the puzzle of her mind.
SOFIA ISELLA is set to bring her Her Desire, The Nemesis tour across the UK and Europe starting in May. Tickets are currently on sale here.
Her Desire, The Nemesis 2026 Dates:
- May 5 – Brussels, BE – La Madeleine
- May 7 – Zurich, CH – X-Tra
- May 8 – Luxembourg, LU – Den Atelier
- May 11 – Hamburg, DE – Docks
- May 12 – Berlin, DE – Columbiahalle
- May 14 – Copenhagen, DK – Vega
- May 15 – Oslo, NO – Sentrum Scene
- May 16 – Stockholm, SE – Fryshuset Arenan
- May 19 – Prague, CZ – SaSaZu
- May 20 – Vienna, AT – Arena Wien
- May 22 – Munich, DE – Tonhalle
- May 23 – Cologne, DE – E-Werk
- May 25 – Amsterdam, NL – Melkweg MAX
- May 27 – Paris, FR – Élysée Montmartre
- May 29 – Manchester, UK – Albert Hall
- May 30 – Birmingham, UK – O2 Institute
- Jun 1 – Dublin, IE – National Stadium
- Jun 3 – Glasgow, UK – O2 Academy
- Jun 4 – London, U K- Roundhouse
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