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Delicate, vibrant and velvety are just a few words that come to mind when describing the enchanting Australian Sparklemuffin spider, a unique creature that seems spun from another reality. It’s no surprise, then, that singer-songwriter Suki Waterhouse, in a whirlwind of inspiration during a manic episode, named her sophomore album after this mysterious arachnid. Waterhouse’s name skyrocketed after her dreamy track “Good Looking” became a viral sensation on TikTok — and, equally, during her relationship with brooding vampire heartthrob Robert Pattinson. Through songs that explore love, fame and all the magic in between, she invites listeners into a world as mesmerizing and multifaceted as the Sparklemuffin spider itself.
Opening with “Gateway Drug,” Suki Waterhouse sets the tone for Memoir of a Sparklemuffin with a hazy melody that draws listeners into a dreamlike trance. But just as the album lulls listeners in with its softness, the track erupts into a gritty, grunge-infused hit, layered with thick guitar riffs and thunderous drum beats that nearly overwhelm the vocals. This sudden surge of sound mirrors the whimsically resilient story woven through the lyrics, such as, “I’ll show you places that only exist in your dreams / Take off those nightmares and put your heart back on your sleeve.” Waterhouse openly shares an aching desire to be consumed entirely despite the thrilling but dangerous consequences. The shift in sonic tone perfectly captures the emotional turbulence of surrendering to something irresistible, even when it threatens to spiral out of control.
The album maintains its energetic trajectory with “Supersad,” by which a track’s fast pulse invites listeners to free dive into Waterhouse’s sonic world. Propelled by a driving passion, “Supersad” feels like running down a road encased in flashing colorful lights: a perfect compliment to the lyrics, which describe a feeling of spiraling out. “Could be the worst night I ever had / Lose my mind, always get it back / There’s no point in being super sad.” The instrumental remains simple and recognizable, but the tempo creates a tangible sense of motion, making this track a great transitional piece.
This 18-track album is packed with songs that feel like an instant energy boost, like consuming a magical fruit in a video game. Waterhouse can shift the pace without ever feeling jarring or abrupt, preserving the cohesive soundscape that ties the entire album together. “Model, Actress, Whatever” offers the familiar dreamlike, guitar-focused sound listeners will expect from Waterhouse but slows the album down, giving listeners a chance to breathe in the album’s first half. Here, Waterhouse explores the conflict between audience perception and personal passion in her artistic career: “All of my dreams come true / The bigger the ocean, the deeper the blue.” The song is a reminder that, for Waterhouse, creative success often carries an emotional heaviness. Lines like “All of the years in the eyes / Fighting off lows, breathing in highs” capture the duality of her creative past, acknowledging that both setbacks and successes have built her up to where she is today. “Model, Actress, Whatever” will be the one fans sway to at her concert, bathed in the glow of hundreds of phone flashlights.
In Memoir of a Sparklemuffin, Suki Waterhouse weaves together a lush, lyrical landscape, much like the intriguing spider that inspired the album title. While this album further defines her as a true musician beyond the TikTok fame, Memoir of a Sparklemuffin offers listeners a sound expected from Waterhouse. As she continues to develop herself musically, it would be beneficial to diversify her discography while maintaining the stylistic integrity and foundation she has built.
Daily Arts Writer Carolyn Lira can be reached at carlira@umich.edu.
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