POPPY

POPPY really raised the bar with her sixth album, 2024's "Negative Spaces". That album felt like a turning point. With "Empty Hands",she's not chasing numbers or expectations, she's simply doing whatever feels exciting and honest in the moment. Right now, that's raw emotion, bottled-up frustration and music that sounds like it's meant to be played loud on a stage.

There's a noticeable edge running through "Empty Hands". This album feels fueled by anger, specifically aimed at people who take, hoard and collect wins without thinking about the damage left behind. That bitterness gives the record its backbone and keeps it feeling urgent, even when the tempos slow down or the melodies take over.

Sound-wise, "Empty Hands" picks up where "Negative Spaces" left off. Jordan Fish is back on production duties, and the chemistry between POPPY and him feels stronger than ever. Everything sounds tighter and more focused this time around. The production never overwhelms POPPY's personality, which lets the songs breathe, but it's definitely very heavily produced. "Bruised Sky" hits hard with thick, crushing riffs while still managing to carry a strong sense of melody, and "Guardian" stretches things out with a bigger, more soaring feel.

One big bright spot in "Empty Hands" is how well it flows. At 13 tracks, it could've easily dragged in spots, but it never really loses steam. Opener "Public Domain" sets the tone right out of the gate, mixing industrial grit with stiff, almost robotic vocals before opening up into something more dramatic. It's weird, bold and instantly grabs your attention, exactly how an opening track should work.

Of course, the heaviest moments are going to get the most attention, and for good reason. POPPY sounds more aggressive here than she ever has. "Dying To Forget" is sharp and relentless, pairing jagged riffs with lyrics that cut deeply. The title track, "Empty Hands", is in full meltdown mode, dripping with rage and capped off by some seriously unhinged screams. It's intense. Elsewhere, "Eat The Hate" flips that anger into sarcasm, mixing biting lines with bouncy, almost playful rhythms that somehow still hit hard.

At the end of the day, "Empty Hands" sounds like POPPY doing exactly what she wants, without overthinking it. When she's fired up and emotionally invested, her music hits on another level, and this album captures that energy from start to finish.