Nick Helgesen, the mind behind Scrimshaw Porn, delivers a striking blend of vulnerability and sonic craft on his new single Olivia. Merging indie-pop warmth with dreamlike electronica, the track unpacks the sting of romantic vulnerability with both brutal honesty and surprising tenderness.
Helgesen’s raw vocal delivery rides atop ethereal textures, recalling the pop-punk sincerity of early Blink-182, the laid-back shimmer of Mac DeMarco, and the brooding depth of Depeche Mode. Atmospheric touches — from the ocean drum discovered during a neuro music session, to Kyle Sparks’ guitar work and Jessica Murphy’s ambient violin — enrich the soundscape, while longtime co-producer Matt Ricci shapes the production into a cohesive, immersive whole.
Olivia is a compelling testament to Helgesen’s ability to turn deeply personal moments into lush, genre-defying songs, reaffirming Scrimshaw Porn as one of indie’s most intriguing voices.