debtOr for the past five years, Irish artist Jessica Smyth has been releasing lithe, bilingual (English and Spanish) pop songs under the name Biig Piig to critical acclaim. She was recently named part of the BBC’s Sound of 2023 long list and is one of London’s most enthusiastic DIY music girlfriends.She is also the co-founder of NiNE8.Girlfriend bubble gum mixtape is Biig Piig’s eclectic first full-length, light and taut as its title suggests.
Like a less flashy, R&B-leaning Jockstrap release, this is off-kilter but glossy music, topped with Smith’s ravishingly subtle vocals and frank lyrics that seek heights. It’s a record that deals with her sense of self – with Ghost’s airy beat she delivers: “I can be anyone… disappear when I want” – and self-destructive behavior: With a frenzied kerosene channeling the dance floor, she begs her lover: “Baby please / Light it all up.”
The production is immaculate, hopping unexpectedly between dreamy breezy and club-facing cacophony (Picking Up stands out in this regard).but bubble gum Short, but seven songs, Biig Piig’s sound is full of poise and promise.