Elly Hopkins - Animal EP 
Release Date: 21st November 2025
Bristol's Elly Hopkins has been one of my favourite finds of 2025 with her raw and passionate take on the blues that really speaks to the weariness of the world these days. The 'Animal' EP opens with former single 'Cecile' which sways and staggers along the tightrope between grace and drunkenness but never quite loses the balance it needs to move forwards. Title track 'Animal' has a Janis Joplin vibe to it as the sliding guitar chords, quietly thumping drums and vocal gymnastics transport you Haight Ashbury but with a pint of cider in your hand.
On 'Kintsugi', Hopkins takes a more laid back approach with a reflective vibe inspired by the Japanese art of celebrating the breaks that makes us all underpinned by a squelchy bass line and a late 80s indie style. The jangly guitar sounds continue on 'Bets' but its the range of vocal tone and power that steals the show as Hopkins drifts effortlessly from folky, First Aid Kit inspired tones to a deeper more guttural style a la Patti Smith. Closing track 'One Man Band' is a funkier and more upbeat number framed around a cheeky bass line and the kind of arrangement and energy that will have audiences bopping along in unison. Hopkins is a real talent unfettered by the whims or fads of a fickle music industry so you're either in her gang or you're not. I, for one, am in.
More information: https://www.instagram.com/ellyhopkinsmusic/
Live Dates:
3rd December - The Croft, Bristol