Opening the next chapter on their highly anticipated journey, East London rapper John Glacier offers ‘Like A Ribbon’ to world, in a saga that portrays her personal journey through growing up in Hackney, navigating her rise, the struggles that coincide with it, and the existential growth that supersedes it. Split into three parts that represent the movements of a ribbon as it falls, flails, and revives, the album is unquestionably Glacier’s most honest work to date.

The element of storytelling is evident from the start of the album, as the artist opens with trip-hop infused, grunge-styled ‘Satellites’, it’s calm yet chaotic at the same time, with engaging vocals, before expanding into ‘Don’t Cover Me’, and ‘Money Shows’. The former sees a more sonic, futuristic approach, with Glacier’s voice inviting and poignant, yet distant at the same time, with the latter – a track in collaboration with New York-based Eartheater – continuing with the distinctive grunge tones as she describes her struggles during her formative years. John Glacier often explains that growing up in East London is a key experience to where her sound is now, back when Hackney was Hackney, with the opening segment of the album fuelling this image, it’s sharp and rough around the edges, tough at times, yet built with an immeasurable charm to it. 

As ‘Like A Ribbon’ further unravels, the album is responsively gripping at every turn, ‘Emotions’ carries a more upbeat sound that emphasises the artists couldn’t care less attitude, a display of confidence supported by an immense amount of talent, before turning to ‘Nevasure’, delving into insecurity, detailed in an emotionally captivating melody. It feels darker, slightly lonely and melancholic, with a terrifying perception of something falling, a ‘ribbon’ drifting in slow motion played over and over again visually in your head. You feel the pain in the vocal tones and it becomes impossible not to imagine the emotions reeling through the artist’s self-destructive concerns as she sings “never mind me cos I’m icy, let it fall, have it knocked down”, and “like a volcano burn it all down.” A harsh response to the self-confidence earlier displayed, but one that many creatives are constantly burdened with.

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Moreover, ‘Steady As I Am’ restores clarity to the mind of John, a mental recital and positive affirmation as she sings “steady as I am, never change”, a distinct contrast to the concept of ‘Nevasure’, but one when unveiled further captures the headstrong capacity of the artist who appears to have shaken off prior anxieties citing “couldn’t phase me – sticking to the plan, not the game” sustaining the album’s key themes of strength and growth, whilst detailing it in transcending fashion. 

If the initial phase of the ribbon was the cascading in the wind representative of her upbringing, the falling being the struggles during her rise, the final segment of the fall is a signal to relinquish all fear and showcasing courage in that despite the fall, the new shape demonstrates a new lease of life. ‘Home’ opens this new chapter, through a motivating breakbeat, repeating inspired synths and Glacier’s voice evoking a sense of safety mixed with fiery passion.

‘Ocean Steppin’ featuring Sampha offers an opportunity of reflection on the progress made, whilst remaining on brand for the final segment of the album, meanwhile, ‘Dancing In The Rain’ proves the most decisive in her breakthrough in courage and energy, as she sings: “I’ll be dancing down the streets, let them think I’m insane”, appreciating the art of letting go, laughing in the face of adversity and celebrating the vigour of perseverance during difficult times. ‘Like A Ribbon’ closes out with ‘Heaven’s Sent’, not a reference to self, but an appreciation that every struggle and every motion the artist has traversed through to this point of calm has been heaven sent, and a fitting celebration of the hardships that has developed the artist to this point in their life. 

It’s impossible not to feel emotionally connected to ‘Like A Ribbon’ every step of the way. From the off you feel the grit of the first chapter, the pain in the second, and the joyous celebration of growth and courage in the final – a nod to seminal producer Kwes Darko, and integral storytelling from Glacier. Dating back to childhood, John Glacier had often considered herself as ‘particular’, and someone who knew exactly what she wanted, and with her latest body of work, the artist is moving forward in this exceptional journey taking her to exactly where her mind has manifested itself to.

9/10

Words: Ben Broyd

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