Spill Tab demonstrates what it means to be a creative genius with “KLEPTO”

By Arianna Mioni

Over the past few years, LA-based Spill Tab has emerged from one of the industry’s best hidden gems to a glittering diamond that demands all attention. Her third EP, KLEPTO, was released this past Thursday. The EP contained 1 new track, “fetišh,” along with 4 of her latest singles.

To say it’s been an exciting year for Spill Tab is an understatement. She spent the summer of 2022 opening for Wallows’ “Tell Me That It’s Over” tour, as well as embarking on her first headlining tour later in the fall. This past spring, she supported Sabrina Carpenter on the “emails i can’t send” tour. 

But Spill Tab’s time on the road did the opposite of dull her creative flame一instead, it only ignited her jaunty energy as she began to release her most profound and unique pieces yet. Tracks like “CRÈME BRÛLÉE!” and “Window” took listeners on a whimsical journey characterized by robust guitar and grungy themes. “Splinter” throws a powerful curveball, for what starts as wistful and melancholy quickly transforms into angsty rock. “Sunburn” acts as her most unique piece in the EP, straying from her signature guitar heavy sound and instead moving towards electropop themes. While Spill Tab has always been an artistic genius, her catalog from the past year has been refreshing yet familiar, establishing a distinctive sound that truly defines her as an incredibly visionary artist.

“fetišh,” her latest feat, keeps elements of her signature sound while simultaneously providing a new melodic perspective. Produced alongside Solomonophonic and Ian Fitchuk, Spill Tab bends the rules of indie rock to create her own fantastical genre. “fetišh” truly demonstrates her fluidity and ability to stitch together patches of various different genres and interpret it her way; she truly has no barriers.

The track leaves an impression that lasts notably longer than its duration of 2 minutes and 13 seconds. With “fetišh,” Spill Tab provides insight into the looming unrest within one’s self perception and fantasy. It’s commentary on something we have all experienced, which is the yearning for our ideal self. The song throws away any fears or anxieties of not being accepted in the way we are, and instead aggressively demands it. However, despite this dreamy introspection, deep down we can only wish to be the people we imagine ourselves as.

“fetišh” communicates this under the guise of fervent guitar, striking drums and ethereal vocal layering. Spill Tab possesses a seamless ability to pair personal discussion and self analysis with some of the most unique harmonies you’ve ever heard. It truly solidifies her as a one-of-a-kind artist and highlights the genius within her craft.

The beauty of Spill Tab’s music lies within her ability to outdo herself with every release. No matter how eccentric and profound her previous releases are, you can be sure that whatever is next in the queue will be just as exciting, if not more. “fetišh” was a clear reminder of this fact.

She’s proven herself time and time again to be the glowing future of the indie scene. There truly seem to be no limits within her artistry一and she’s only getting started.