Vroom Vroom: A Mad Scientist’s Musical Lab Experiment.

Mixing in sugar, spice and everything nice may work for some experiments like The Powerpuff Girls, but it doesn’t seem to be the right combination for Charli XCX and her new EP, Vroom Vroom. Charli XCX has resurfaced into the pop-music sphere last month with something quite different from her “Bloom Clap!” hit single, made popular from its feature in chick-flick The Fault In Our Stars. The British pop artist has definitely explored different music styles mashing up rap, electro, pop, and heavy base beats creating something… quite questionable.

“Vroom Vroom” puts emphasis on Charli XCX’s rebel attitude with a very sassy rap bragging, “bitches know they can’t catch me.” The song then switches over into a catchy high-pitched melody accompanied by snaps and ending with an abrupt gasp. (Literally.) “Vroom Vroom” is so similar to Cher Lloyd’s musical style that it wouldn’t be surprising if she was the one lending her vocals to the EP. “Paradise” starts off with startling vocals that sound Alvin and the Chipmunks-esque, perhaps throwing some listeners off at first. The song has a unique electronic build similar to the old sounds of Basshunter’s classic hit “Now You’re Gone.” “Trophy”, is more of a cheerleader dance number with sharp drumbeats and a Fergie-mimicked rap. “Secret” reflects The Pussycat Dolls, paired with a Britney Spears vibe, bringing back some pop-nostalgia.

Vroom Vroom does have some questionable aspects to it, but it definitely has “Charli XCX” written all over it; she stands her ground with her strong lyrics and rebel attitude with a new touch of rap. The EP contains dramatic style changes in-between the songs, making it a bit of an awkward listen. It’s nice to see that Charli XCX is attempting a new touch to her music, but perhaps a different batch of ingredients may produce better results in the lab for Charli XCX next time around.