Kevin Bronson on February 27th, 2020

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Despite what the name suggests, the music of Skullcrusher does not bruise, at least not physically. It billows, as if the idea bubbles above singer-songwriter Helen Ballentine’s head have morphed into beautiful clouds, their shapes begging to be interpreted.

Ballentine, who studied fine art at USC, debuted her project in January with the single “Places/Plans.” It’s a plaintive folk confessional about friendship and the first song from the debut Skullcrusher EP, coming out May 1. The tune’s bedroom intimacy blossoms when Ballentine is backed by a full band, as she was Wednesday night in a harmonies-laden set at the Bootleg Theater.

The EP was made in collaboration with Noah Weinman of L.A. electro-folk duo Runnner.

||| Stream: “Places/Plans”