Chloe Qisha – ‘Fantasize’ review: horny, theatrical and irresistibly catchy

When Chloe Qisha graced NME’s The Cover last year, we met a popstar raring to go big. At that point, she was just about to release her second EP ‘Modern Romance’, which showed off the Malaysian-British singer’s ambition, quick wit and slick pop sound. Since then, she’s supported Coldplay, Sabrina Carpenter and RAYE, and was on the longlist for the BBC Sound Of 2026. Qisha is now readying her debut mixtape ‘Fantasize’, which expands her sonic world while honing her songwriting chops for making cheeky, theatrical pop. READ MORE: On The Cover: Meet Chloe Qisha, your next main pop girl On ‘Fantasize’, Qisha maintains her ABBA-meets-Sabrina Carpenter melodrama, but isn’t afraid to explore other territory. Chappell Roan-ish chants decorate a pumping synthpop beat on the empowering ‘Cry About It’, while ‘Baby Girl’ sees Qisha admire gorgeous women atop a glossy, disco-funk strut. At times, these expeditions are less successful; ‘Possessed (but in a hot way)’ begins with a nasty, gothic, Depeche Mode-inspired bass, but loses its campy momentum thanks to its soaring, overly sincere piano arpeggio. Where Qisha’s previous songs grappled with loss (‘VCR Home Video’), insecurity (‘21st Century ...