Through fate and circumstance, this is my first experience of the voice of Eliza Newman. Others will already be initiated through her work as lead singer of Bellatrix, and more recently with Skandanavia. 'Change My Name' is her first single as a solo artist, and my first opportunity to hear what others have raved about in the past. It's like a Black Rebel Motorcycle Club song that you can dance to. It's slightly glamorous – exactly how The Long Blondes could sound at the top of their game.
'Change my Name' is a great little electro-number, that compliments recent output from The Kills very well. Slightly awkward electro – almost dulcet tones, but
As a debut single, it is one of the most effective I have heard. B-side 'Return to Me' shows that she is not just going to be providing good electro-music. It is a bleak, beautiful ballad that showcases a truly mesmerizing voice. Live this song could move you to tears (I'm imagining just Eliza with a keyboard), on record it's still enough to make you well up. It's emotion stripped down to it's rawest. You put this on and you stop what you doing – it's not a song that wants to be put on in the background. It demands that you listen to it.
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This is music to believe in, and a debut album to look forward to. What more can you ask for?
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