Sarah Kinsley escapes reality with debut album.
‘Escaper’ transforms personal grief into a powerful debut album that feels both grand and deeply personal, bridging the technical skill of a classically trained musician with an emotional warmth that leaves listeners transfixed.
Born in California and now based in New York City, 24-year-old Sarah Kinsley crafts nuanced alt-pop that reflects her wide-ranging musical and cultural background. With a foundation in classical piano and violin from an early age, Kinsley studied music theory at Columbia University before branching out into more experimental territory. In fact, it was a viral TikTok video showcasing her DIY production process, that boosted her profile to new heights. Her debut LP ‘Escaper,’ shaped by the loss of a close friend, is a reflection on grief and the instinct to escape.
“Escaper is about who we become when we cannot take the real world anymore, when we want to run and hide and exist in a place where grief is unknown. Where loss does not have to hurt anymore. It’s a record about coming back to yourself, understanding that love is still worth it. That these are things worth keeping us alive.”
Kinsley’s discography has a distinct flair that thrives on theatrics and this album is no exception. The record is packed with ethereal, airy synths that, when paired with Kinsley’s unmistakable voice, create an enchanting listening experience. ‘Escaper’ overflows with surprising twists, cinematic romanticism and euphoric journeys. At times, the album might evoke comparisons to her contemporaries—Mitski, Lana Del Rey and Lorde—or nostalgic icons like Kate Bush and The Cocteau Twins. But, once the final track plays out, it’s obvious that Kinsley’s sound is uniquely her own.
Many of the tracks on ‘Escaper’ carry a multidimensional quality, with world-building soundscapes that grow more ephemeral with each listen. The album opens with its lead single, ‘Last Time We Never Meet Again,’ featuring an energetic synth progression and rousing string arrangement that leads into a reflective chorus. The lyrics bid farewell to a friendship, with Kinsley’s celestial vocals echoing, “I hope you get everything you wanted/ I hope the universe bends down to offer itself to you/ But for myself/ I hope I hear your name and I feel absolutely nothing.”
As the record progresses, ‘There Was A Room’ marks another standout moment with its '80s-inspired sound, whilst the titular track closes the album on a powerful high. This final song showcases Kinsley’s vocal prowess, blending a pop-infused energy with the orchestral influences of her earlier EPs to create a distinctly ethereal landscape.