released: february 14, 2025

genre: electronic / hip-hop

from: london, uk

label: young

a few thoughts: john glacier’s sound has become an excellent ambassador for the continuously emerging london music scene. releases like shiloh: lost for words exemplify the eclectic nature of her music poignantly, as she combines moody yet engaging raps with off-kilter, sometimes dancy, sometimes ambient electronic soundscapes that help john peel layers of vulnerabilities. the poems and musings are relatable, and she takes her talents to new heights on her young debut, like a ribbon. with production from kwes darko, flume, evilgiane, andrew aged & zack sekoff, the album is a sonically detailed and beautiful body of work, with gentle melodies that are combined with hard hitting beats and a reflective, melancholic energy that is perfect for john glacier’s introspections. “satellites” opens the album out with a gloomy guitar lead, and john glacier’s monotonous but commanding vocals flowing effortlessly over the beat. the glossy beat on “don’t cover me” is cool, definitely growing on me with each listen, while “money shows” featuring eartheater has this infectious guitar lead, while john’s menacing flows throughout, making it an engaging an immersive track. “emotions” is a dynamic and colourful track with glistening synths and a booming beat, while john ruminates about life. “nevasure” is another dynamic cut, while the guitar groove on “steady as i am” with the vocal sample and john glacier’s poignant lyrics about staying true to herself in an industry of actors. the colourful “found” is introspective, as john mulls over the past experiences that made her find herself. the dark and goth-like “home” has hard hitting drums that complement john’s introspections. “ocean steppin’” featuring sampha is an emotive cut, shedding layers of vulnerability, both from the gorgeous vocals and reflective lyrics, over beautiful and atmospheric production, with a groove to it that is infectious. “dancing in the rain” is a dynamic cut, while “heavens sent” closes the album out with a beautiful guitar-driven melody, as john reflects about her life and how she’s found the light again, finding new life. like a ribbon is an excellent new album from one of the trailblazers of the uk electronic and hip-hop scene.

the album: