Brand new album from Annie O’Malley

Annie O’Malley is an indie pop sensation making her own unique style she dubs “Temper Tantrum Pop,” a sound as bold and uncompromising as the artist herself. Hailing from a small town outside of Chicago, Annie has since moved to Los Angeles where she’s making a name for herself with an original pop sound cut with singer-songwriter vibes. Her music distils real emotions into a cocktail of unfiltered, honest and often cathartic music, offering listeners a space where vulnerability is celebrated rather than shamed.

Growing up in an environment where she was made to feel like she didn’t quite fit in, Annie has turned those experiences into a source of power. She often references her school years, a time when she was led to feel unworthy for not being deemed “smart enough.” This feeling of exclusion has become a central theme in her music, one she confronts with both defiance and compassion. In a symbolic nod to her younger self, she intentionally misspells song titles and lyrics; a personal act of rebellion and healing that also aims to show others that there is no wrong way to create.

Annie O’Malley’s rise began in 2018 with her debut singles “chase me downn” and “golden dovez,” both of which introduced listeners to her memorable, emotionally-charged style. Her debut album, Skrapbook, released in 2022, was a defining moment, offering a deeply personal work of growth and self-discovery.

Over the years she’s shared the stage with the iconic 70s progressive rock band Chicago and toured with rapper Phora, adapting to diverse musical settings while staying true to her own voice. Now she brings us her latest release with her brand new sophomore full-length record titled all the things that skare me, a musical exploration of the inner child and an invitation to give that child the love and understanding they always deserved.

Opened by title-track “all the things that skare me,” airy textures drift as Annie’s voice echo through the mix before the dreamy soundscape comes into sharp focus with her lively lead vocals riding the uptempo pulse of the beat and synth tones. Setting up a vibrant synth pop jam brimming with heartfelt lyricism, compelling vocal performance and rhythm switch ups, it’s an infectious track that immediately grabs your attention.

Previously released as a single, “2gether 4ever” follows with a slick synth arrangement and punchy beats capped by alluring vocals. Erupting into an epic and fiercely catchy pop anthem, lofty vocal layers glide above shuffling drums and energising synth lines to craft a thrilling listening experience. “break up partie” sees Annie filter her experience of throwing a break up party on her own into an upbeat and charming pop outing full of bouncy rhythm, shimmering instrumentation and stunning vocals.

Other highlights on the record include songs like “sundaze” where soft vocals hover above hushed synth tones and the rattle of drum and bass style percussion before the crashing arrangement delivers stabbing energy. Flowing through moments of blissful, subdued verses and energising dance pop choruses, it’s a spectacular display of Annie O’Malley’s stellar songwriting and knack for cutting across different genres while maintaining her own distinct sonic imprint.

“plot twyst” serves up another gripping vocal performance and enthralling blend of fluttering synth textures, snapping drums and superb melodic writing, resulting in another incredibly memorable alternative pop anthem. Closing the album with “obstakles dissipate,” Annie lays down a delicate and moving ballad where her impassioned vocals float over gentle piano-driven backing before swelling with pattering drums and atmospheric aesthetic to deliver a dazzling finale to her exceptional second album.

Listen to all the things that skare me below