Squirrel Flower — the moniker of Massachusetts singer-songwriter Ella Williams — has released a pair of new songs, “Ruby at Dawn” and a cover of Björk’s “Unravel,” both of which will appear on her new Planet EP, out Jan. 28 via Polyvinyl.
Planet primarily features self-recorded demos of songs that didn’t make the final cut of Squirrel Flower’s latest album, Planet (i), as well as two songs that were recorded during the Planet (i) sessions but not included on the album. Capping it all off is the cover of Björk’s “Unravel,” which Squirrel Flower tackles with the slightest instrumental accompaniment, placing her layered, effects-laden vocals at the forefront.
Squirrel Flower also released a music video to accompany “Unravel,” with Williams saying in a statement: “I filmed the ‘Unravel’ video by projecting open source footage of underwater lava cooling into rock over myself. I love the way the lava unravels and moves, looks like yarn, looks like a heart. It represents to me the tension and pain and exuberance of love.”
“Ruby at Dawn,” meanwhile, begins with just vocals and a lone synth hum, but later blossoms with a clattering percussion, a soulful bass skip and layers of harmonies as Williams sings: “Ruby at dawn/Walked all of me home/Couldn’t tell the difference/Between our clothes.”
In a statement, Williams explained why she wanted to release her early demos and unused tracks on the Planet EP, saying: “I’ve always felt that the pieces and process and secrets behind a finished record are the most important parts. Most of these songs showcase my own production and exact vision, my first time in a long time releasing music that I’ve produced alone. Releasing this EP is an exercise in self-trust and experimentation. Not all songs need to be precious and kept for the exact right time, not all recordings need to be perfect.”
Squirrel Flower is set to embark on a North American tour early next year. The run launches Feb. 3 at Rose Bowl Tavern in Urbana, Illinois and wraps March 20 at 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis.
Planet EP Tracklist
1. “Open Wound”
2. “Your Love Is a Disaster”
3. “Unravel”
4. “Long Day’s Done”
5. “Sitting in Traffic”
6. “Ruby at Dawn”
7. “Live Wire”
Skrilla is clearly leaning further into the lane that made “Doot Doot (6 7)” take off, and his new song and music video “RYLO” makes that direction obvious. The mood mirrors that same shadowy energy, built around somber piano lines, light but tense percussion, and added layers of strings and laser like effects that heighten the atmosphere. The track nods to fellow MC Rylo Rodriguez, matching his presence with gritty street scenes, money driven boasts, and sharp, cinematic details throughout the verses.
There is a long instrumental stretch before the final hook that slightly slows the pacing, taking away some of the track’s drive. Still, fans of the Philly rapper will likely find plenty to enjoy here, while those who were not sold on his earlier work probably will not be converted by this release. As Skrilla’s visibility continues to grow and edges closer to oversaturation, it will be interesting to see whether he expands his sound or stays locked into this formula. That answer may come on his next album, which he teased in the video description under the title The Face Of Zombie Land.
Release Date: January 4, 2026
Genre: Hip-Hop
Album: The Face Of Zombie Land
Crashing out with all my crashouts,
I just snorted a 30 milligram, hope I don't pass out,
Why the f**k these n***as keep on acting like thеy crashouts?
Riding around, four choppers, and I'm dolo-ing the fast route
