One of our first reviews of the year goes out to Havelock’s newest tune ‘CHINA DOLL’, which follows the exceptional ‘SCRAMBLED’ of the same name as his debut EP. While we were still in recovery mode when the EP’s title-track appeared, we were fortunate enough to wake up today to some more alt-pop goodness from this British up-and-comer. We love the slanting synths and woozy guitar effects that affirms the off-kilter feelings expressed through Havelock’s emotive voice. Whatever the “china doll” at the heart of this swirling alternative production is, as with most art forms, down to your interpretation; however, we are particularly drawn to one reading - that of the climate crisis. We find our hints in the lines like, “Straight face, / No Joke, / Planet’s up in smoke.” As with so many European youth, global warming is at the forefront of their minds and daily activities, and so it’s no wonder to hear Havelock so incensed by the state of the environment. Repeatedly, he sings “I’m up in arms when I think about it, / They do you harm,” framed in a catchy pop melody that will stick with you throughout the day. If you’re yet to be in the Havelock appreciation gang, you could do worse than going back to check out our reviews of ‘Pig Latin’, ‘Vacancy’ and ‘Real’. - Hannah Thacker