Few artists can squeeze as many narratives into a sound as Sui Zhen. Fewer still can manage it with her same style and grace, and none while producing a sound unburdened by the larger aspects and themes.

Following on from her complementary EPs releases Body Reset and Female Basic, Secretly Susan is an impressive, if sometimes bizarre album. Based on and inspired by her alter ego, Susan was born from a love of Japanese lovers rock, ’80s electro/bossa nova and dubby lounge-pop, discovered during her time in Japan and London with the Red Bull Music Academy. With her incredibly sweet and haunting vocals, Zhen takes us into a dreamlike world of ethereal pop music, feeling as though you’ve strayed into a music video dream of the early ’90s, filled with love, longing and sheer confusion of identity.

Susan comes to life in lead single ‘Take It All Back’, and from that moment on you’re happily lost in the colourful and surreal landscapes of Zhen’s very own version of pop music. And while it can be a weird and wonderful ride, you never feel uncomfortable or unwelcome.

Secretly Susan is a truly wonderful addition from a constantly surprising artist.

Secretly Susan bySui Zhenis out now onDot Dash/Remote Control.

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