by Turn and Work | June 18, 2025
It’s hard to believe that The Perfect Hire is Kirsten Izer‘s debut record. Even though it’s only four songs, everything about this EP sounds seasoned and accomplished. Izer’s confidence and polish makes this record sound like an interlude between major projects from an established performer. Her songwriting is sharp and evocative and her dynamic vocal range lends drama and depth to the lyrics.
This isn’t by accident: Izer has been writing and playing music since age 11 and her YouTube channel has the receipts, with old homemade music videos and talent show footage. She’s been working toward this since before she could legally work, so the level of sophistication is hard-earned.
Her bio talks about spending half a decade on the business side of the music business, which clearly had a strong influence on The Perfect Hire. A doomed workplace romance inspired the title track (and campy workplace satire teaser site), conflating the personal and professional relationship expectations.
Could have been smarter
Could have worked harder
I should have worn something tighter
Go blonder
The other three tracks are showcases for Izer’s songwriting and versatile, dynamic voice. After the deadpan cynicism of the title track, the vocal explodes on standout track “You”, with soaring harmonies over a slow-burning beat peppered with noise and voicemail recordings.
“Electric Blue” is a melancholy, layered torch song written during a workshop led by Adrienne Lenker that gets darker and deeper as it goes on. It’s a gorgeous showcase of Izer’s emotional range – from the low near whisper at the outset to the soaring, delicate, wistful chorus.
Izer’s releases before The Perfect Hire are strong too — the darkwave-adjacent “No One’s Invited“, and the reflective, world-weary “Nothing” are highlights.
Co-produced by Randall Belculfine (Tones and I), The Perfect Hire‘s four songs each show a different facet of the work that Izer has put in to get this far. She clearly has a vision of who she is as a writer and performer. Great things take time and determination, and this EP sounds like the result of both.