Article 331, Originally Published on October 2nd

Taylor D is finding comfort in darker places. The Dublin-based alt-pop and rocker is embracing a new chapter and emerging as the new Princess of Rock in Ireland. Taylor D, has been building a solid foundation for years, having 4 songs reach Number 1 on Ireland’s iTunes rock charts and her debut EP, Fan Girl peaking at Number 11 in Ireland.

Since Fan Girl, there has been a noticeable shift in her sound and production: heavier guitars, bigger drums, and a brooding atmosphere. It’s being well received too, with her latest single, Goodbye, having nearly 100,000 streams on Spotify since releasing at the end of July.

Now, after a summer of successful touring, and Goodbye having a huge run on Irish radio, she is celebrating her 21st birthday in an incredible way.

Bad Decisions

Bad Decisions is the second EP released by Dublin-based alt-pop, rock artist, Taylor D. Releasing on October 2nd, it is 4 songs and runs at 13 minutes. It features the hit single Goodbye and the brand new song, Obsession. Bad Decisions is being independently released by Taylor D.

“This EP feels like the real beginning of who I am as an artist. Turning 21 and releasing it on the same day feels incredibly symbolic. I’ve grown so much since I started making music and these songs reflect where I am now: more confident, more honest, and completely unafraid to say what I mean.” ~ Taylor D

The lead track off of Bad Decisions is Obsession, a track that Taylor D says “explores the intensity of becoming fixated on someone and the effect that can have on your thoughts and emotions.”

Drawing an interesting comparison from BBC Introducing, who labeled Taylor D as “Dublin’s answer to Avril Lavigne,” I would honestly say I agree. She’s a little more rock than Lavigne’s more pop days and a little more pop than Lavigne’s more rock days, so the comparison is pretty good, actually.

Obsession is a standout track on this release, along with Goodbye. As it opens the EP, it sets a pressing tone with a hard, fast pace. Layered distorted guitars panned to the side of each ear and the drummer uses every last bit of their kit throughout the song’s run. Taylor D’s vocals stay mid range, where she is consistent and strong.

Goodbye, brings the exact same energy to close Bad Decisions. Big guitars, hard beat, and just flat out anger derived from Taylor D’s lyrical and vocal performance.

Bad Decisions Feels Like Closure That Audiences Can Relate To

In the last two years, Taylor D’s sound and style have evolved to the point where she has shed most of the pop influence in her music. She started teasing the departure with earlier releases like Strange Addiction and Born to Love You but the distinction is made perfectly clear in this EP. Bad Decisions is the ultimate collection of breakup songs, with the singer desperate to find meaningful closure in the aftermath.

Survive is a powerful rock ballad that really captures the state of depression being felt while coping with the loss of this relationship. I like how Taylor D highlights the temptations she feels and the coping strategies she uses to abstain. It feels so real.

Final Thoughts

Bad Decisions is a powerful exhibition of growth and the maturity of a young artist who is forging a path beyond her earlier music and her younger self.

Later this month, Taylor D will be headlining a show in Dublin at Sin E on October 16th (Get Tickets) Bad Decisions is streaming everywhere and is also available for purchase as a CD (Purchase Bad Decisions)

Go press play!