GENRE; Pop/R&B
LABEL; Transgressive
RATING; 3/5
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Quicksand Heart, the debut solo album from Jenny Hollingworth under her project Jenny on Holiday, marks both a stylistic shift and emotional evolution from her work in the experimental pop duo Let’s Eat Grandma. Released on 9 January 2026 via Transgressive Records, the record channels ’80s-inspired synth-pop and new wave motifs into a deeply personal narrative about desire, grief, and rediscovery of joy.
From the bright, euphoric synths of opener “Good Intentions” — a track described as a radiant pop anthem about presence and hope — to the shimmering hooks of the title track, Quicksand Heart often feels like an invitation to dance through heartache. The nostalgic sonic palette, with echoes of Kate Bush and Cyndi Lauper, gives the album a familiar yet invigorating warmth.
Critics have largely responded positively, with many praising the hook-rich songwriting and emotional candour. Highlights cited include the catchy, pulsating “Every Ounce of Me” and the genre-blending “Do You Still Believe in Me?”, which artfully fuses breakbeats, soaring vocals, and shoegaze-tinged guitars. However, not all agree on the album’s consistency: while the first half crackles with energy and memorable choruses, several reviewers and fans note that the second half feels less distinctive, with some tracks blending together and lacking the same punch.
Lyrically, Hollingworth balances introspection and celebration; on “Dolphins,” for example, she transforms themes of loss into vivid, haunting imagery. Overall, Quicksand Heart is a confident solo statement — a pop album that embraces emotional complexity while retaining effervescent charm.
