Danish-born, NYC-based singer-songwriter Cillë unveils her debut EP – ,but you can call me silly!, a characteristically playful spin on her name – a common Danish nickname for Cecilie. Produced by Benjamin Hull, the record also features contributions from Kelsey Warren of Blak Emoji, who tracked and engineered the vocals, and Joseph Freeman, who handled the mastering.
The four-track collection opens with Neon Trooper which begins with a short intro that transports listeners straight into the atmosphere of vintage arcade halls – those neon-lit spaces that have found new life in recent years thanks to pop culture phenomena like Stranger Things. The song then bursts into a high-energy rush, drawing from catchy alternative rock with a glittery layer of synth-pop woven in.
Next comes Reckless Hearts which kicks off with an even grittier rock riff, echoing the straightforward energy of 1980s icons like Tom Petty while also channeling the rebellious spirit of Joan Jett and other cult female-fronted projects. “The higher we fly, the harder we fall,” Cillë sings on this euphoric anthem, striking a balance between raw emotion and exhilarating power.
Champagne Punk instantly recalls the guitar-driven punch of American Idiot-era Green Day. As synths join the mix, the track evolves into something sparkling and fun, showcasing Cillë’s commanding vocal presence. Her melodies are both memorable and urgent, delivered with energy. By the end, the repeating refrain sticks like glue, cementing the song as one of the EP’s standout moments.
The record closes with All the Haters Are Dead. What begins as a tender ballad, carrying an almost Elton John–like intimacy, soon transforms into a full-throttle rock anthem. A searing guitar solo cuts through the mix, while thunderous drums and razor-sharp instrumentation drive the EP toward its climactic finale.
In essence, ,but you can call me silly! feels like a meeting point between the sly, tongue-in-cheek charm of Colleen Green and the bombastic swagger of 1980s arena rock. “Sitting on this EP to try and prove some kind of depth or seriousness was killing me slowly. How’s that for serious? Yes, I think some of these songs will literally sound silly – which, after all, is almost my name – to some people. But I also hope that others will dig a little deeper and find something more. And if they don’t, well, hopefully they’ll still be entertained,” Cillë explains.
The result is loud, unashamedly fun, and brimming with personality.
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