W: Peter James May

Rebecca Bangfield is officially reclaiming the "pop princess" title for the thinkers and the over-thinkers alike. With the release of her latest track, "Untangling"—the title track of her debut EP via Jansen Records—the Norwegian-Greek artist cements her status as one of Scandinavia’s most compelling new exports. Occupying the sweet spot between the earthy energy of Maggie Rogers and the ethereal whimsy of Alice Phoebe Lou, Bangfield’s indie folk-pop is a breath of fresh, sharp-witted air in a genre that often plays it too safe.

What truly sets Bangfield apart is a lyrical prowess that borders on the surgical. Her songwriting is a vibrant playground of contradictions; she is simultaneously petty and elegant, razor-sharp and deeply vulnerable. Whether she’s dissecting jealousy or getting lost in the rush of new love, she avoids the traps of tired pop clichés by twisting them into something entirely her own. Her background is as eclectic as her sound—spanning classical ballet, theater, and a specialized academic focus on 17th-century history—infusing her music with a rare depth and a theatrical flair that makes every punchline land with precision.

"Untangling" isn't just a song; it's a showcase of a disciplined artist playing with the boundaries of her craft. Bangfield’s history in choir and classical performance provides the foundation for her impressive vocal range, but it’s her "qualified teacher" intellect that gives the lyrics their bite. She navigates the complexities of the human experience with vivid imagery and creative humor, proving that you can be "overwhelmed" and "refined" at the same exact time. Norway has found its next great storyteller, and she’s just getting started.