To New Beginnings! (and also, tits) [Tove Lo - Bikini Porn EP Review]

As a first review I thought I'd go for Tove Lo's recent double single, Bikini Porn.

Co-written and produced by FINNEAS, probably best known as Billie Eilish's brother/producer, the two tracks, 'Bikini Porn' and 'Passion & Pain tastes the same when I'm Weak', brilliantly showcase two distinct ends of the emotional spectrum.

Bikini Porn

Bikini Porn, the first of the two, slaps. Quintessentially Tove Lo from the first 'uh-uh' to the last, the track oozes sexuality and fun, perhaps not a soul sister to 2017's 'Disco Tits', but definitely at least a cousin. The song's premise is quite simple, as Tove invites a suitor to leave behind his 'boring bubble', and join her in her lavish lifestyle, characterised by drinking champagne all day (all day, all day), and dancing around her room naked (naked, naked).

The production (courtesy of FINNEAS, A-Strut and Jack & Coke) shines here. The almost tropical beat immediately sets the tone, while the layered vocals of the first chorus are simply immaculate. The pièce de résistance, however, comes in the second chorus, with the introduction of darker synths, my personal favourite element of the track, giving a slightly moodier vibe, a staple of Tove's oeuvre.

I've had this on repeat since it came out, and I'm not bored yet.

Passion & Pain tastes the same when I'm Weak

This second track feels like the aftermath of Bikini Porn, the consequences of the hedonism which seemed so appealing just moments ago. While this is definitely my second-choice of the two songs (I'm a sucker for a good beat), the lack thereof here allows Tove's lyricism to shine through. Co-written by just Tove and FINNEAS, in an interview with Beats 1 she described the track as a "more poetic ballad", and praised FINNEAS for "bringing out this other side of me".

There's a level of self reflection here that does indeed feel if not new, then formerly under-appreciated, with the track's title providing a shining example. Lines such as 'I'm naive, impulsive even' recall tracks such as 'Cycles' from 2017's Blue Lips, but here the production is much more minimal, so the sense of crushing self-awareness hits just a little harder.

This song was designed to be played in a blue-lit room, while you cry over your mistakes.