Erica Manzoli’s second EP, First Girl on the Moon, compiles previously released singles that contributed to her growing recognition, such as “Burn The Internet,” “Dear Other Woman,” “Suzy Loves Sam,” and “Princess Prudence.” The EP also introduces two new tracks: the opener “Breakup Blues” and the title track “First Girl on the Moon.”
In contrast to the prevalent trend among emerging pop artists toward elaborate production and prominent hooks, Erica Manzoli adopts a distinct approach. First Girl on the Moon presents a notably human quality, characterized by curiosity, vulnerability, subtle eccentricity, and a strong emphasis on storytelling. Across six tracks, Manzoli blends indie-pop sensibilities with theatrical elements, constructing a cohesive environment where romantic anxieties, imaginative reveries, and cinematic imagery intersect.
The EP stands out for its unusual imagery to express emotions. Instead of directly discussing love and heartbreak, Manzoli explores these feelings through stories and character sketches. This makes the record feel more like a series of short scenes from an indie film about modern relationships than just a set of pop songs.
The first track, “Breakup Blues,” quickly sets the mood. Instead of giving us a dramatic heartbreak anthem like many pop songs, Manzoli takes a softer, more thoughtful approach. The song feels reflective, as if the narrator is already a bit distant from the breakup (“Join the choirs where the saddest souls retire. If you cry, then that’s okay. Take a seat, we saved your place.”) Musically, it sets the tone for the rest of the EP with light production, layered instruments, and vocals that focus on closeness rather than power.
“Burn The Internet” follows, a quietly striking track that captures the emotional fatigue of living in our hyper-connected world. Built on soft synth textures and a restrained, dreamy arrangement, the song lets Manzoli’s intimate vocal delivery carry its central idea: the longing to escape the endless noise of online life and rediscover something real (and I feel her pain!).
Manzoli’s understated songwriting gives the track a reflective, almost melancholic atmosphere, turning the provocative title into something more thoughtful than rebellious (“Seeing you happy is my sick routine. I’ll never put myself to bed. As long as i have the internet.”) The result is a piece of bedroom pop that feels both contemporary and timeless—capturing the strange loneliness of the internet age while reminding listeners how powerful simplicity and sincerity can be in modern pop music.
After this, the EP becomes both more playful and more complex. “Dear Other Woman,” a song I reviewed back in November 2025, is one of the most interesting on the project. It’s written as a message to a potential romantic rival and examines jealousy in a different way (“It’s a twisted point of view, but I’m grateful I have you.” ). Instead of making the “other woman” the bad guy, Manzoli shows curiosity and empathy toward her. The narrator wonders what this person is like, how she feels, and if they might actually have things in common. This creates an honest picture of insecurity without being overly dramatic.
This openness to exploring mixed emotions shows up throughout the EP. Manzoli’s lyrics rarely describe feelings simply. Instead, her songs stay in the uncertain spaces between confidence and doubt, or affection and anxiety. This gives the EP a diary-like honesty. Even when the stories get whimsical, the emotions still feel real and familiar.
The storytelling focus is even clearer in “Suzy Loves Sam,” which feels like a small character study… which isn’t surprising, based on the Wes Anderson, “Moonrise Kingdom” themed music video! Instead of focusing on herself, Manzoli tells the story of two other people. The song has an observational feel, as if she’s watching a relationship from the outside. This change in perspective adds depth to the EP and shows that Manzoli’s songwriting goes beyond just her own experiences.
“Princess Prudence” keeps up the creative approach. The title hints at something theatrical, and the song embraces that storytelling style. The character is portrayed playfully, but the story never becomes a joke. Instead, the track feels like a gentle, surreal fable about personality and identity. The music matches the theme with light, whimsical sounds that create a storybook feel without being too fancy.
This approach fits Manzoli’s singing style. She doesn’t use the powerful vocals of classic pop stars. Instead, her voice is soft and feels close, almost like she’s whispering to you across a table. That closeness makes even the most creative lyrics feel believable and real.
The title track, “First Girl on the Moon,” is a strong ending to the EP’s themes. While earlier songs look at potential insecurity, questions, and emotional confusion, this last song feels like totally taking off!
The main metaphor compares falling in love to being the first person on the moon, showing the mix of excitement and disbelief that comes with new romance.
The metaphor works well because Manzoli uses it with both honesty and a bit of playful exaggeration. The idea of space travel brings out feelings of wonder, risk, and the excitement of finding something new. At the same time, there’s a playful side to thinking of love as an astronaut’s big leap. This mix of real emotion and creative humor is a key part of Manzoli’s style. Which is what I love about her. (“It’s exciting and scary with feelings so new. Like I’m the first girl on the moon. Every time I’m touching (You). I don’t want to speak too (Soon, ah). Oh my, am I possibly in love with ya?”).
Overall, First Girl on the Moon sounds like the work of an artist who is early in her career but already has a clear creative style. Manzoli’s songwriting is curious and focused on storytelling. She seems more interested in building her own artistic voice than in chasing quick pop success. Her music mixes indie style, theatrical ideas, and honest lyrics.
Another strength of the EP is how well it fits together. Many short releases can feel like random collections of songs, but First Girl on the Moon is very cohesive. The tracks share themes of vulnerability, imagination, and romantic uncertainty, and the steady production style gives the record a unified feel. Listening from start to finish feels like reading different chapters of one emotional story.
If there is any limitation to the EP, it might simply be its scale. At just six tracks, and at just over 17 minutes, the project offers only a brief insight into Manzoli’s creative world! Some listeners may wish for a few more songs to further explore the characters and ideas introduced here.
Yet in another sense, that brevity works in the EP’s favor. The record never overstays its welcome, and its concise structure encourages repeated listening.
In the end, First Girl on the Moon works because it celebrates being unique. In a busy indie-pop scene, Erica Manzoli stands out not by being loud or flashy, but through her personality and creativity. Her songs are thoughtful, curious, and emotionally open, welcoming listeners into a world where vulnerability and playfulness go hand in hand.
If this EP is just the start of Manzoli’s career, it hints that her best work is still to come.
For now, First Girl on the Moon is a strong introduction to a songwriter who knows that sometimes the best way to talk about love is to reach for the stars.
Rating: 8.5/10
Chris Garrod, March 9, 2026
Please stream here!: https://tinyurl.com/4y3ev4yj
