//EP Review\\ Fleur Rouge is unapologetically vulnerable with new EP 'Wish You The Worst'

In moments of darkness, it can be easy to turn away from the pain, smile, and pretend that everything is peachy for those around us. With her latest EP, French-English songwriter Fleur Rouge encourages you to let the facade fall and embrace our vulnerability unapologetically. 

A powerful, all-consuming delve into a world of imperfection, 'Wish You The Worst' explores everything from anxiety to nepotism and dating across its five tracks. All of which embody a powerful ferocity in delivery and raw honesty in lyricism that will leave listeners breathless yet empowered to live authentically from the get-go.

'God Complex', the first track of the EP, sets a tone of raw honesty and doesn't hold back in the slightest, delivering its lyricism with passionate flair as it details the frustrating experience of having a self-obsessed lover. This is intertwined perfectly with deliciously rhythmic synth and electronic percussion to create an atmosphere of "I deserve better, and I'm going to get it," which perfectly leads into "Trust Fund Baby," the EP's second offering. 

Following 'God Complex' is 'Trust Fund Baby,' which aims to deconstruct toxic friendships and their impact on personal experiences. 

'Trust Fund Baby' possesses the same intensity as God Complex, yet it is more subtle in its delivery. From its whispery vocal tones in the track's chorus to its reverb guitar riffs, it sounds as if it's a secret or a rumour being spoken of. 

This track brilliantly showcases the spiral of damage a toxic friendship can have in its build-up, making it one of the catchiest tracks on the EP. 

'Lost Cause' which follows Trust Fund Baby, is different from the rest of the EP; instead of bold, confident and sassy, it's reflective and cool-toned in both lyricism and musicality to create an emotional tone akin to that of a heartbreaking, represented through the tracks thudding percussion and cool toned guitar tones that compliment Fleur's melancholic lyricism as she reflects on what began as a dream relationship. 'Lost Cause' may juxtapose many of the EP's other songs; however, it delivers a beautiful showcase of both honesty and rawness that makes the confidence of the other tracks even stronger in the long run. 

The second to last track of the EP' Scumbag' is Lost Causes Phoenix in the Ashes moment. It's perfectly villainous in its delivery as it discusses unfaithfulness from a partner and the negative shift in perspective towards them. As a result, musically, the track begins almost hopeful before quickly shifting through the track's interrogating style of lyricism to create an almost hot, under-the-collar atmosphere, as if the listener is in the hot seat. Perfect for a Netflix revenge film.

Wish You the Worst is beautifully intense, and with its final offering, 'Rabbit Hole,' Fleur Rouge tells you exactly who she is at her core: human.  

Within an instant of hearing 'Rabbit Hole', it disorients and draws you in from its marching electronic musicality and eerie effects, which disorientate, combined with Fleur's breathy vocals and lyricism that mimic the sensation of a panic attack. Every element of this track aligns perfectly with its subject matter of anxiety and panic attacks, and, alongside Lost Cause, shares rawness and unapologetic pain and vulnerability that everyone can understand in one way or another. 

'Wish You The Worst' is a standout from Fleur Rouge. From its fierce, no-holds-barred confidence to soul-aching honest lyricism, this EP has something special for everyone. It's an essential listen for anyone who is reflective and needs encouragement to live their truth.

"Wish You the Worst" is out now; click the artwork below to stream.