KIRSTEN IZER CANDIDLY DISSECTS GENDER EXPECTATIONS AND ROLES IN NEW EP ‘THE PERFECT HIRE’
I am known for asserting that the patriarchy benefits no one involved. However, I rarely explain why that is the case. Singer-songwriter Kirsten Izer explores this concept thoroughly in her biting new EP, The Perfect Hire. Many of her metaphors channel the ebbs and flows of romantic relationships. After a few listens, a more profound message becomes clear; it isn’t heterosexual romance that threatens autonomy, but gender expectations placed upon both men and women. Her EP expertly discusses the pitfalls of the patriarchy, affirming my thesis by zooming in on stereotypes across the board that impose harmful effects. Dynamics would be far less tense without these preconceived expectations we place upon each other. Sometimes, women are just as guilty of it as men.
The titular track articulates this well. Izer allegorizes her metaphorical relationship through the lens of a workplace. What is “The Perfect Hire?” Most would describe this archetype as overly giving, never assertive, and always aiming to be better because someone could come in to take your place effortlessly. Izer’s storytelling stands out in the introductory track; each description hits harder than the next, exploring “what if” questions that women ask themselves daily. Perhaps the most impactful was when she suggested that she could have “worn something tighter” to keep her partner interested, as she tried to “morph into the things (he likes).” Ultimately, Izer realizes that there’s no way to impress someone who’s already made up their mind about you. Plenty of these descriptions are projections placed upon her by her ex-partner, who was likely motivated to uphold patriarchal standards, to his detriment. Keeping up with these establishmentarian ideals could keep Izer’s figmented ex-partner single—or worse, in unhappy couplings—for the rest of his life.
The Perfect Hire was based on a lived, toxic workplace relationship. However, the writing within it touches on much deeper concepts, whether Izer was aware of this or not. Her intentional turns of phrase in “You” and other literary devices insinuate that she is self-aware. Moreover, her lyricism portrays her as emotionally intelligent; she considers every possible aspect of a situation. Sure, there are usually clear villains in her narratives, but she describes them with nuance. Much of this process is seemingly instinctive, as Izer is writing from lived experiences. This adds intrigue to each song, although they stand well on their own, with her signature sound at the forefront.
“Electric Blue” is the most sonically resonant of the record. It evokes Hayley Williams’ solo work, particularly Petals For Armor: the rain sample, guitar layers, and haunting lead vocal combine to create an exceptional listening experience. Izer wasn’t trying to mimic anyone else in her compositions, leading to something special in her final product. I am left to wonder whether Izer writes lyrics first or perhaps writes music and lyrics simultaneously. Each artist has a different approach, but Izer prioritizes emotional experiences above all else. This is audible in her lyrics; however, it’s also notably present in each of her musical compositions. Even without the pitter-patter of the rain samples, “Electric Blue” has a watery sound to it. The use of reverb and a particular drum kit makes the song feel like a rainy day, stunning.
Finally, “The Messenger” sends us off on a stunning note. The vocal harmonies in this track are ethereal, marking Izer’s vocal style as both technically skilled and emotionally motivated. This song is somber, like the rest of the EP, but there’s a slight undertone of hope sprinkled throughout—even if Izer can’t hear it herself. Maybe she’s trying to convince herself that things will be okay. Regardless, she has gone through quite the journey throughout the EP, and this culmination highlights the entire road from A to B. Her driven instrumental allows her a more free-flowing lead vocal than what we’ve heard in the previous three tracks. In the former, she was somewhat restricted, as if she were coming to terms with her feelings. Now, she has done the internal work, giving herself room to express herself.
Izer’s debut EP, The Perfect Hire, offers phenomenal songwriting and performance. Her lyrical ability is matched perfectly by her vocal technique, which knows when to hold back and when to let loose. Much of Izer’s writing is instinctive, but she is a storyteller. The fact that this is her debut project astounds me. However, she has spent her entire lifetime honing her craft. That’s a common phenomenon; many spend years waiting in their crysallis before their wingspan grows fully. Thankfully, Izer has found the exact right creative collaborators to elaborate on her already expansive vision.