WILLOW's '<COPINGMECHANISM>' Is a Potent Journey Through Her Subconscious


Beware of her vicious bite as WILLOW evolves into the most honest set of skin she’s ever existed in on <COPINGMECHANISM>.

While this may be her fifth album, in many ways it’s an introduction to who she’s truly been all along. Like a bone from her ribcage, WILLOW offers the rawest pieces of herself in <COPINGMECHANISM>. Moody and avant-garde, her take on the revival of angsty emo-rock seems like second nature to her, as easy as breathing itself.

While many cower at the thought of vulnerability, it seems like the one thing she’s been craving all along: self-liberation through pure and radical honesty. There’s a sense of surrender in WILLOW’s aura, as if embracing her darkness is how she’s finally found the light.

From “ur a <stranger>” to “No Control,” there aren’t any sanded-down edges in <COPINGMECHANISM>. Her confidence doesn’t falter as she spills out her queerness and self-inflicted despair, beating you to the punch by telling on herself first. 

The title track is its own fleshy wound, exploring self-medication and loving someone as much as you hate yourself. Aside from a powerfully dynamic feature from Yves Tumor, this album is an intimate look into WILLOW’s innermost world, seasoned with soft harmonies and grunge alt-rock. But above all else, this project is medicinally potent. WILLOW saved herself through <COPINGMECHANISM>, becoming a lighthouse for those surviving the darkness of their own subconscious.

It’s almost foolish to praise someone who is fully aware of the fact that they’re in their own lane entirely. Hot off the heels of lighting herself ablaze on the Saturday Night Live stage this Saturday, we’re getting to witness a critical graduation in WILLOW’s shape-shifting career from wanderer to rockstar.

Listen to <COPINGMECHANISM> below:

Related Articles

Kevin Abstract Returns Home in 'Blush'

Kevin Abstract Returns Home in 'Blush'

June 27, 2025 “In 2024, I was dealing with heartbreak, addiction, feeling completely lost. Felt myself erasing myself from me."
Author: Jazmin Kylene
pop
rap
Evening Elephants New EP Is Carefree.... Very [Q&A]

Evening Elephants New EP Is Carefree.... Very [Q&A]

June 27, 2025 We caught up with Evening Elephants for the latest on their release, working with state-of-the-art producers, and more.
Author: Hillary Safadi
Daisy the Great Take a Trip Through the Subconscious in The Rubber Teeth Talk [Q&A]

Daisy the Great Take a Trip Through the Subconscious in The Rubber Teeth Talk [Q&A]

June 27, 2025 Kelley Dugan and Mina Walker joined OnesToWatch for a conversation about the release, their most expansive and introspective album yet.
Author: Chancey Stefanos