Beth Ditto 

                                                   Beth Ditto EP

                                                       5.9/10

There is one thing Beth Ditto is not familiar with and its being boring and mediocre. Everything she does is over the top - from her look, her antics, her music and career choices. Thats why its so odd and even disappointing to listen to her debut EP as a solo artist.

Teaming up with the guys of Simian Mobile Disco, DItto made a short 4 track EP. But there isn’t much to it. Its about as generic as you can get when it comes to dance music. The beats are flat, there are no hooks or anything remotely catchy on EP. “Do You Need Somebody” echoes a definite  SMD feel but its flat. And most of the tracks feel the same. 

I’m beginning to lose faith in SMD. They haven’t done anything worthwhile since their amazing debut Attack Decay Sustain Release. I digress since this is Ditto’s moment. But certainly, SMD aren’t doing anything to help her. “Goodnight Good Morning” contains another shapeless beat and odd sounds from SMD while Beth sings about some dramatic first world problem drama bullshit. “I Wrote the Book” is Ditto’s attempt at a gay anthem and fails miserably. There is something missing - honestly or a sense of earnestness. Ditto’s mood comes off very robotic in most of these songs. She lacks major emotion, like she doesn’t want to be there singing. And who can blame her?  

However, Ditto’s voice is just as booming, powerful and crisp as ever, despite the detachment. The closing track “Open Heart Surgery” is the only note worthy song. A typical and predictable 80s synthy and funky bass line backs behind Ditto where she actually feels more emotional invested. And there’s a hook! 

Regardless, “Open Heart Surgery” isn’t enough to save the EP. I’m not sure what Ditto is planning - continuing with The Gossip or going solo and putting out a full LP. But if this EP is any inclination of what’s to come, I don’t really want to hear it.