FRANK - My Darkness Is Not Pitch Black EP

On her gripping debut EP, My Darkness Is Not Pitch Black, Indianapolis-based artist FRANK (a.k.a. Sydney Elliott) steps boldly into the spotlight with a collection of seven songs that slice through the haze of modern alternative music with both razor-sharp candour and cinematic ambition. Seamlessly fusing grunge’s grit, industrial’s edge, and indie rock’s introspection, this is a project that thrives in contrast, where vulnerability and power aren’t at odds, but partners in crime.

The title My Darkness Is Not Pitch Black, which is out May 20, 2025, via Absorb., is more than a poetic turn of phrase—it’s a mission statement. It encapsulates the EP’s central theme: that even in the deepest shadows of personal pain, dysfunction, and uncertainty, there exists an intrinsic hope, a flicker of light that keeps pushing forward. FRANK never shies away from the raw or the uncomfortable, but her delivery is drenched in self-awareness and emotional intelligence.

Opening track “Prelude” sets the tone with ethereal production—a haunting overture that introduces the emotional landscape we’re about to explore. From there, the EP roars into life with “Sick Of Yourself,” a standout moment of biting self-reflection disguised as a catchy grunge-pop banger. The track gets a second life later on the EP with an electrifying feature from Zayna Youssef of Sweet Pill, whose chemistry with FRANK adds even more punch to an already blistering anthem of disillusionment and self-respect.

“Purified” and “Overdose” dive into the push-pull of addiction—both chemical and emotional. The former feels spiritual and cleansing, with soaring melodies and industrial undercurrents, while the latter is chaotic, pulsing with intensity as FRANK examines the line between obsession and collapse. Both tracks are co-produced with Owen Thomas (Kishi Bashi, The Band Perry, Dream Chief), whose work brings a crisp yet volatile texture, allowing FRANK’s voice to shine without sacrificing sonic danger.

Then there’s “Stuck In Reno,” a beautifully off-kilter moment that slows things down with a driven groove from an acoustic guitar without losing intensity. Part road song, part emotional limbo, the track captures a snapshot of aimlessness and longing in a place that feels forgotten. It’s a testament to FRANK’s lyrical skill—she turns a roadside town into a metaphor for being trapped between versions of yourself.

“Stupider” plays like a letter to a past self or a former flame, equally devastating and cathartic. “I wish I were stupider / So I’d never feel this way,” FRANK croons with aching sincerity, a chorus that manages to feel both ironic and equally heartbreaking. And finally, the track “Naturally” closes the core tracklist with a sense of grounded clarity. It’s the sonic equivalent of morning light after a long night—still a bit uncertain, but unshakably real.

Throughout the EP, FRANK’s vocals are the anchor. She delivers her lyrics with a soul-baring quality that feels simultaneously vintage and new—a nod to her love of artists like Annie Lennox and Mazzy Star, while staking her claim among modern torchbearers like Hayley Williams or Sharon Van Etten. The mixing from Geoff Swan (Charli XCX, Caroline Polachek) and Micah Tawlks (COIN, The Brook And The Bluff) brings a lush, cinematic polish to even the grittiest of moments, allowing the EP to feel expansive and intimate at once.

FRANK’s personal story—battling Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) while crafting music that refuses to be pitied—adds a layer of resilience and realness to My Darkness Is Not Pitch Black. This isn’t just a debut; it’s a declaration of identity, artistic power, and emotional depth. With this EP, FRANK doesn’t just join the conversation of modern alt-rock—she kicks the door in.

---

Check out more from FRANK: https://linktr.ee/talkaboutfrank