EP Review: Polly Money - ‘T-Shirt Nothing Else’
Polly Money has perfected the art of blending heartfelt emotion with irresistible, feel-good beats in her new EP, T-Shirt Nothing Else, delivering tracks that will keep you moving and vibing long after the music ends.
T-Shirt Nothing Else, is a stunning exploration of personal growth, love, and self-discovery, encapsulating Polly Money’s evolution while staying true to her deeply personal and universally resonant style. With her signature mix of indie-pop vibrancy, dreamy vocals, and raw emotional storytelling, the artist has crafted a collection of songs that feel both introspective and relatable, showing that she is far from just another rising star in the alt-pop world - she’s an artist carving out a space all her own.
The EP opens with “Anything”, a track that sets the tone for Polly’s sonic journey. This song feels like a warm, inviting hug - its lush guitar work and easy-going production wrapping themselves around you like a cosy blanket. But beneath the easy-listening vibes lies a deeper layer of longing and heartache. Polly’s ability to weave emotional depth into catchy, radio-friendly tunes shines here, and it’s clear that this is an artist who understands the art of balancing lightness with weight. The song strikes a balance between nostalgia and yearning, blending an undeniable groove with a touch of wistfulness.
From there, the EP flows into the powerful “i’m not proud”. This track is a confident step forward for Polly, showcasing her ability to craft a smooth, retro-inspired groove while maintaining a modern edge. The song opens with a simple acoustic guitar, which gradually builds as Polly’s vocals - soft, yet undeniably alluring - enter the mix. It’s a contrast of innocence and desire, as Polly grapples with the complexities of guilt, attraction, and longing. The lyrics, “got my girl waiting at home / I’m thinking about you / when she goes down”, are a stark yet captivating exploration of infidelity, lust, and emotional conflict. The bouncy piano and synths add a layer of brightness to the track, even as the lyrics explore darker, more nuanced themes. It’s a song that leaves you thinking long after it ends, a delicate blend of flirtation and vulnerability that solidifies Polly as a storyteller with substance.
Next comes “Milk & Honey”, one of the most compelling tracks on the EP. This single captures the dizzying rush of early queer love - those moments of sweet euphoria mixed with the fear of what could happen if those feelings are ever brought to fruition. Polly’s dreamy vocals glide over an infectious, upbeat melody, evoking both the thrill of love and the anxious vulnerability that comes with it. The production is as light and airy as the lyrics are grounded in their emotional weight, giving the song a nostalgic quality that perfectly encapsulates the tender, formative experience of discovering your true self through romance. Polly’s honesty and openness shine through in the track, as she sings about “the intensity of the baby-queer experience,” giving listeners a glimpse into a raw and deeply personal part of her journey. The accompanying music video, directed by Polly’s close friend Rosie Carney, mirrors this intimacy, offering a minimalist yet intimate portrayal of Polly that feels as honest and vulnerable as the song itself.
Throughout the EP, Polly’s artistry is marked by a combination of emotional depth and playful energy, making each track feel like a snapshot of a particular moment in her life. As she notes, “It doesn’t feel like a huge step away from what I’ve done before, just a progression.” This statement rings true in, T-Shirt Nothing Else. Each track is a refinement of her sound, with lush, layered harmonies, rich guitar work, and a sense of cohesion that creates a journey for the listener. Whether it's the bittersweet reflection of “Milk & Honey” or the sultry yearning of “i’m not proud”, Polly captures the full spectrum of emotional experiences with a voice that feels both fresh and familiar.
In, T-Shirt Nothing Else, Polly offers listeners a collection of intimate stories set to infectious, emotionally charged music. The five tracks come together to form a narrative arc that unfolds in real time - each song revealing a new layer of growth, self-awareness, and the complexity of human emotion. The artist’s journey, both as an artist and as a queer woman finding her voice, resonates in every note. It’s clear that this EP is just the beginning of something much bigger. If this is what Polly can do in a mere five tracks, then the future of her music is a thrilling promise of even more depth, evolution, and joy.
Words by Danielle Holian
