pretty poison

Released in September 2021, 'pretty poison' serves as a definitive statement for Nessa Barrett, transitioning her from a social media personality to a serious contender in the alt-pop landscape. The EP is a cohesive exploration of mental health, the pressures of fame, and the toxicity of modern relationships. Sonically, it is characterized by its 'dark-pop' aesthetic, blending the breathy vocal delivery of artists like Billie Eilish with the guitar-driven angst of early 2000s pop-punk. Produced largely by Leo Mellace, the project emphasizes a 'pretty but deadly' sonic palette, using lush reverbs and crystalline synths to mask the darker lyrical themes of mortality and self-destruction. The track 'i hope ur miserable until ur dead' became a breakout hit, showcasing Barrett's ability to weaponize pop melodies against a backdrop of rock-leaning aggression. Critically, the EP was noted for its surprisingly mature production and its refusal to shy away from difficult subject matter, cementing Barrett's place in the 2020s wave of genre-blurring pop artists.