Self-discovery is a lifelong journey that hopefully finds us emerging as the most whole version of ourselves as we move along. It is sometimes arduous when we have internal and exterior obstacles in our way, but if we are honest with ourselves, we find the way.
In the heart and soul of Singer-songwriter Miya Folick, this has been ever-evolving as she navigates past and present life experiences very candidly. Not mince words with her feelings, Folick has consistently been an exceptional lyricist over the last decade. Initially debuting in 2015 with the Stange Darling EP, this self-released effort garnered attention, which led to 2017’s EP Give It to Me before the full-length Premonitions in 2018.
Steady forward progress, Folick spent time touring with everyone from Pale Waves and Bishop Briggs between 2018 and 2019 before unleashing the impressive follow-up album Roach in 2023. With an interesting mix of Pop and Indie Rock, it was evident that Folick was still developing as a person and performer. Keeping her options open, she even scored the soundtrack for the 2023 Comedy-Drama Cora Bora. Jump forward to 2025; Folick returns with another interesting collection of songs she calls Erotica Veronica.
What is to be her third overall studio album, Erotica Veronica, is set for release on February 28th through Nettwerk Music Group and has a lot of emotions wrapped inside. A curious title, the theme of the record is very much rooted in Folick’s personal experiences and feelings about relationships, freedom to be who we are in those relationships, and yearning to explore without judgment. Too often than not, we are led to feel ashamed about our feelings, or we are put into situations in our relationships with a loss of control. No one likes this, and Folick’s lyrics, at times, portray a sense of anger but also a sense of pleading for others to let her be who she is at others.
A sentiment we can all relate with, no matter our walk in life, a listening session of Erotica Veronica provokes many thoughts. Yes, the album is extremely personal to Folick, but you cannot help but interject yourself into the storylines, even if the experiences differ. You cannot help but wonder if those you have shared relationships with really loved you for you or were using you to pass the time. You also ponder if you have ever unintentionally not let someone you loved be themselves and regret letting them down. In other words, it is a deep dive into introspection and working to become the best version of yourself.
Honestly, this is the effect Folick’s ever-so-candid lyrics have throughout each part of Erotica Veronica. Eleven songs in total, there are many head-turning moments within the words sung – including the happier “Erotica,” heartbreaking “Alaska,” anger-filled “Fist,” and melancholy “Love Wants Me Dead.” However, with some very serious chords struck in your heart, the album also has a sense of sensuality to it, as the title implies.
With this, the music of Erotica Veronica is full of delightful textures with Sam KS (Youth Lagoon, Angel Olsen) on drums, Waylon Rector (Dominic Fike, Charli XCX) and Greg Uhlmann (Perfume Genius, SML) on guitar, and Pat Kelly (Perfume Genius, Levi Turner) on bass. There are also more Alternative Pop Rock tunes like “La Da Da,” the sophisticated sound of “Fecility,” the more up-tempo “Prism of Light,” and the must-listen simply the haunting tone of “Hypergiant.”
Overall, Miya Folick manages to unify some sincerely heartfelt emotions with playful melodies and a voice that is soft and inviting but more intense when necessary. There are more stripped-back approaches and more layered ones throughout Erotica Veronica, which make it an absolutely engaging, intelligent, diverse, and ambient Pop album on various fronts. That is why Cryptic Rock gives this bold step forward for Miya Folick 4 out of 5 stars.
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