CILLË ANNOUNCES DEBUT EP BUT YOU CAN CALL ME SILLY WITH BOLD, PLAYFUL PUNK ENERGY
When you press play on but you can call me silly, you’re stepping into Cillë’s world. Danish-born and now NYC-based, the singer-songwriter unveils her debut EP with a wink, its title a goofy play on her name. “The heavy metal umlaut is for show, and homage to some of my early musical heroes. And, hey, now you can tell me and all the other online Cilles apart,” she jokes.
Across four tracks, Cillë leans into themes she’s explored since 2022’s “Mom, Am I From Outer Space?” — feeling out of place, finding self-acceptance, and what she calls “oddball-empowerment.” From the neon-soaked “Neon Trooper” to the defiant “Champagne Punk” and the fatalistic “Reckless Hearts” (“the higher we fly, the harder we fall”), she blends humor, grit, and heart. Closing with “All the Haters Are Dead,” she paints a surreal, post-apocalyptic dreamscape that feels both lonely and liberating.
Yes, Benjamin Hull and Jake Horne give the EP its muscle, but make no mistake: this is Cillë’s show. Her voice drives the chaos, her personality threads through every lyric, and her vision makes the EP feel less like a debut and more like a declaration. Let’s dig in below:
“Neon Trooper” kicks off the EP with a rush of 8-bit tones and shimmering 80s-inspired synths before exploding into full-on rock fury. It’s an opener that feels both retro and futuristic, pulling you in with its playful nostalgia before hitting you with pure adrenaline. At the center is Cillë, whose commanding vocals channel the spirit of Debbie Harry — cool, sharp, and effortlessly powerful. She belts with an edge that turns the song into an instant anthem. The band behind her matches that energy beat for beat. The bass drives with urgency, the keys and rhythm guitars build a lush, electric foundation, and Benjamin Hull delivers a solo that slices through the track with precision and flair. It’s the kind of performance that doesn’t just impress, it hooks you in and makes you hungry for what comes next.
“Reckless Hearts” lands as track two on but you can call me silly, and it just might be the standout of the EP. The chorus is infectious, packed with chant-worthy lyrics and raw power that practically begs to be shouted back in unison. It’s the kind of song built to pump you up, whether you’re heading into a big game, a night out, or any moment that needs a jolt of energy. Once again, Benjamin Hull’s guitar work rips through with style and precision, while Jake Horne’s drumming locks everything in place, tight, controlled, and perfectly balanced. This band’s sense of musical chemistry is undeniable, and it shines here more than ever. The song closes on a surprising note, fading out with delicate piano. It’s a subtle but beautiful touch, softening the edges and giving the track an unexpected sense of depth.
“Champagne Punk” is yet another standout from Cillë, and we’re fully here for it. The phrase itself speaks volumes — being a “champagne punk” means living the ethos at the highest caliber, raw attitude wrapped in unapologetic style. Cillë drives the point home by hammering the lyric “I’m just a champagne punk” into our heads, a mantra that makes her dedication to the culture feel undeniable. Sure, the track leans a little repetitive toward the end, but that doesn’t dull its impact. Instead, it locks into a groove that feels hypnotic, the kind of repetition that leaves you hitting replay without hesitation. Bold, brash, and unshakably catchy, “Champagne Punk” cements itself as a track that lingers long after the last note fades.
“All The Haters Are Dead” closes the album on a surprising note, opening with Cillë’s vocals paired against a ukulele. It’s a left-turn moment, delicate, playful, almost disarming, that shows a different side of the band’s personality. But the calm doesn’t last long. Once the intro fades, the track kicks into gear and the familiar punk rock fire comes roaring back. The contrast makes the heavier section hit even harder, like the band reminding us exactly where their roots lie. Lyrically, it’s as cheeky as it is cathartic. Declaring that “all the haters are dead” is part punk sneer, part tongue-in-cheek mantra, but either way, it lands with confidence. It’s a defiant kiss-off to negativity, and honestly, the world could use more songs like this — where the haters are left behind and joy gets to take center stage. Musically, the track threads the needle between raw punk energy and shimmering pop-rock polish. The guitars snarl, the rhythm section keeps everything locked tight, and Cillë’s vocals soar over the top with just the right mix of grit and sparkle. It feels celebratory, like the band is taking a victory lap after an album that’s already proven their range.
At the end of the day, but you can call me silly doesn’t just show off what this band can do — it shows who they are. In four tracks, they manage to jump from 8-bit nostalgia to fists-in-the-air anthems, from tongue-in-cheek swagger to moments that catch you off guard with their sweetness. Cillë holds it all together, her voice equal parts bite and shine, while Benjamin Hull and Jake Horne keep the engine running full throttle.
It’s the kind of EP that feels alive — messy in the right places, polished where it counts, and packed with hooks that stick. By the time “All The Haters Are Dead” slams the door shut, you’re not just ready to hit replay, you’re already wondering what they’re going to do next.