Colin 
Gemma Ballam steps into 2026 with sharpened intent on ‘in my head’, a single that marks a clear shift toward a darker, more alternative sound. Originally from the Scottish Highlands and now based in Birmingham, she leaves behind the cleaner pop finish of earlier releases and leans into something heavier, moodier, and more emotionally exposed.
This track arrives as her fourth single and opens a new chapter. While melody still sits at the heart of her writing, the weight now comes from grit rather than gloss. Guitars bite harder, the rhythm feels tenser, and her voice cuts through with purpose. As a result, ‘in my head’ feels grounded and direct, pulling you into its emotional centre without dressing it up.
At the core of the song is limerence and the way attraction can distort reality. Gemma digs into the habit of placing someone on a pedestal while they give little back, if anything at all. That imbalance fuels the tension of the track. Just as important, the song captures the moment of clarity that follows, when fantasy falls away and self respect takes its place. Those ideas shape every section of the song and give it a strong sense of release.
Vocally, Gemma sounds assured and controlled throughout. She moves easily between restraint and intensity, letting emotion surface without overselling it. That approach suits the subject matter and keeps the track feeling honest rather than theatrical. Her delivery stays agile, with phrasing that locks tightly into the rhythm.
The band plays a huge role in the impact of ‘in my head’. Formed during three years together at BIMM Birmingham, their chemistry shows in the tightness of the performance. Guitar lines feel purposeful, the rhythm section keeps everything driving forward, and the arrangement never feels cluttered. Whether imagined live or heard through headphones, the song feels built to connect.
A darker edge with emotional clarity
This single also hints at where Gemma is heading next. A new wave of material is on the way in early 2026, and ‘in my head’ lays the groundwork for that direction. The sound pulls confidently from indie and rock spaces while keeping her melodic instincts intact. That balance gives the track bite without losing accessibility.
Comparisons to acts like Paramore, Julia Wolf, Florence Road, and NewDad feel natural here. Like those artists, Gemma blends polish with grit, letting vulnerability sit alongside strength. Her writing stays clear and direct, trusting listeners to sit with uncomfortable emotions rather than smoothing them over.
There is a sense of focus running through this release. Rather than chasing scale or trend, Gemma sharpens what she already does well and pushes it into heavier territory. The result feels intentional and lived in. ‘in my head’ does not feel like a detour. It feels like a tightening of vision.
Review
Gemma Ballam sounds focused and fearless on ‘in my head’. Her voice carries weight without strain, slicing cleanly through gritty guitar lines. The groove holds tension from start to finish, and the chorus lands with a release that feels earned rather than forced.
What makes the track stand out is its emotional precision. Gemma captures obsession, disappointment, and relief without spelling everything out. The alternative edge suits her perfectly, and it points toward a body of work that feels broader and more confident. ‘in my head’ stands as her strongest statement so far.
You can follow Gemma Ballam over on Instagram and pre-save ‘in my head’ here.