ALBUM REVIEW
30/01/2025 - FKA TWIGS, EUSEXUA
Source: FKA Twigs Album Artwork.
Words By Emily Jade Ricalton
Known for her experimental genre, I am stunned by this recent release by FKA Twigs. With Caprisongs having been released just over three years ago, as FKA Twigs fans we were way overdue a new project from the singer. With a sense of high-fashion and sophistication, EUSEXUA has proved to be an album that dominates her discography.
Starting off strong, EUSEXUA begins with the album’s title track. As a song, Eusexua sets the tone to the album. Euphoric and tense, the sound is reminiscent of a techno club-track, one that is distorted, yet captivating. Executed perfectly, this song is quickly overthrown by one of the best songs on her fourth album release, Girl Feels Good. With a beat that represents the atmosphere of a fashion show or catwalk, this song is hard to not imagine in a classic movie, such as The Devil Wears Prada.
With an empowering tone to the album, Perfect Strangers is relatable. Exploring themes of the stereotypical modern relationship, Twigs adds an atmospheric element to EUSEXUA. She determines the setting of where her album should be played - the club. With this, we hear FKA Twigs sing ‘Just give me the person you are tonight // You’re a stranger, so you’re perfect’. Adding to the anonymity of nights out, Twigs describes the ideal romantic situation that can be associated with the club. Obvious, yet clever, it highlights the purpose of this album and what we should do with it as listeners.
Next up we have Drums of Death - an already fan-favourite on social media. Similar to the earlier sounds of Grimes, this track still remains unique. Harder than the previous tracks on EUSEXUA, Drums of Death has a glitchy-like sound that is similar to hyperpop music. Collaborating with trans poet Tintin on the lyrics of this song, as well as Koreless for the instrumentals, you can already imagine this track being played in the underground rave scene.
Keeping with the dance elements of this album, Sticky interpolates Aphex Twin’s Avril 14th. Creating an overall sound to EUSEXUA, this sample fits perfectly into the album’s aesthetic. Slower than Aphex Twin’s stereotypical music, this instrumental track beautifully pairs with Sticky. With the track exploring raw themes of love and relationships, the piano compliments the sensitive lyrics of this song. It is definitely a standout track from EUSEXUA and is a masterpiece in itself.
Already a global success, we then transition into Childlike Things. A fun and playful track, this song is catchy and definitely memorable. This is especially because North West has her own feature on the song. Obviously capturing the attention of many people, this song is humorous, but also very intelligent. A smart business move from Twigs, I think this track is great. It’s enjoyable and easy to listen to, and definitely a song that you can dance around to.
With this, Striptease has an insane power within the track list of this album. It’s an intense song to say the least, but it is also very emotional. Striptease itself is clearly about a strong sense of sexuality. Empowering and promiscuous, this track is definitely aimed at those who love FKA Twigs - myself included. With lyrics, such as ‘Arch my spine and just a shoulder, titalises on me, I ride’ , being confidently expressed throughout the song, Twigs becomes the epitome of a modern-day woman. Bold and self-assured, this track does exactly what it says in the title.
As a whole, EUSEXUA is a contender to be album of the year, and the year has only just started. Having been inspired by European club cultures, it is a love-letter to dance music. With EUSEXUA being a portmanteau of ‘sex’ and ‘euphoria’, with Twigs inventing the word herself, the album represents a pivotal shift in culture, one of which will probably see the underground club scene come back to life. With this, EUSEXUA is phenomenal, becoming one of FKA Twigs’ best albums to date.
Favourite Tracks - Girl Feels Good, Striptease, Sticky, 24hr Dog
Rating: 5/5
