Review
Haley Heynderickx's debut gem, "I Need to Start a Garden," is a raw, introspective journey that lays bare her soul with every note. Dropped in 2018, this record is a testament to grit and determination, surviving three grueling attempts to bring it to life. Over eight tracks, she navigates the choppy waters of loneliness, uncertainty, and self-discovery, her lyrics cut with such honest precision that you'd swear she ripped them from her diary. Despite the presence of various musicians, there's a stark, almost solitary vibe to the album, with Heynderickx’s bluesy fingerpicking anchoring much of the emotional tide.
"Oom Sha La La" might just be the crown jewel here, blending caustic humor with poignant introspection—ever compared your mental state to your rotting fridge? Yeah, she goes there, and it works. Then there's "No Face," a deep dive into the murky world of aloof relationships, and "Jo," where she paints vivid portraits with metaphoric brushstrokes. "The Bug Collector" is another standout, turning insects into whimsical characters in her intricate storytelling dance. Critics dug it, too, giving it a solid stamp of approval on Metacritic. "I Need to Start a Garden" is a beautifully intimate, poetic, and quirky debut that surely set a high bar for what’s next from Heynderickx. - Ivy
