Everything Amplified

From the peritext to the end notes, this collaborative YA debut is a love song to the beauty, power and therapeutic nature of music. Its creators are known for their acclaimed nostalgic novels Alte Zachan and Stan and Nan, celebrating the wonder of grandparents. Influenced by their musical tastes and Lippett’s experiences with song writing and playing in a post punk band, Everything Amplified exults with good vibrations, accentuated with a melange of moody blues, the clash of drums and the beat of the guitar bite. Zinging with enthusiasm for the versatility of music throughout from the mellow to the thought provoking, to feminist punk to the rocking out exuberance of a garage band, to the heady joy of a rock n’ roll gig, to the soothing nature of easy listening and lyrics that speak to the heart, it is an anthem to self-expression.

Opening with a quote from 1990’s grunge icon Courtney Love, it is organised in four accessible chapters and an epilogue that explore anger, family dynamics, ambitions, dreams, hopes, concerns of juggling GCSEs with social life, and the highs and lows of navigating identity, friendships, manipulative behaviour, romantic complications, secrets, teenage hormones and plans for the future.

Frustrated 15-year-old narrator Nel finds solace from her hum drum small town life, troubled school environment and constant battles with her popular twin Ludo, in the ‘secret passageway of sound’. Suddenly everything changes when a surprising turn of events gives her the opportunity to take the limelight from Ludo. Her bête noir Bea, radiating with rage, alternately bullies and charms her, while her non binary friend Kit and her charismatic musician aunt Jan provide support. But what effect will Nel’s decisions have on others? Ultimately, she must search her soul to discover what she really wants.

Showcasing iconic females Nel sees as role models, like the melodious Karen Carpenter, rebellious teen vocalist Ari Up from the band, The Slits, the soulful Janis Joplin and the Jamaican reggae record producer Sonia Pottinger, the novel perfectly captures the turbulent nature of contemporary teenage life.

London based illustrator Lippett opts for dramatic panels displaying a myriad of emotions and strobing through grey backdrops with the predominant colours of bright orange and cool blue. This style effectively brings the connectivity of the characters with their different musical worlds alive as they shout lyrics and jam together.

With an eclectic range of music showcased, artist biographies and Nel’s special playlist at the back, this will appeal to readers who appreciate the glory of music. Band loving teens who are searching for queer representation within a recognisable world with knotty relationship dramas and strong visuals will also enjoy this entertaining and expressive novel.