The first time we checked in with the 14-year-old British singer, songwriter, and violinist Ottilie Wallace, she was releasing a music video for her song “Toy,” which was directed by the artist Amalia Ulman. Now, her debut solo record has arrived, which we are proud to present today as an early release on Nina.

Wallace seems to be creating from a fairly intuitive place, but we can’t help but throw a few reference points out there: On Throughout The Day, shades of everything from C86 twee to contemporary post-punk to the uncanny general MIDI showtunes of Hannah Diamond can be heard, but this record is its own thing entirely. At times, it sounds like traditional British balladry shot through contemporary home studio technology. The lyrics can read like coming-of-age psychodramas rendered in a grandiose language of English folklore. 

The song “Fantasy World” is a touching reminder of the power of creativity and should resonate with anyone who spent their youth making something, anything, in their bedroom. “Sugar High At Midnight” should be the sound of contemporary punk. “Gaslighter” even has a key change. A late contender for your year-end list.