Finely crafted, stripped back musical simplicity combined with complex melancholic emotions mark out this beautiful, poetic, and deeply personal third folk-pop LP by the Australian singer-songwriter reflecting on the past and present. Most of the tracks are of a gentle, thoughtful pace, though the opener Standing Ovation develops into a catchy, breezy sound with a bass line reminiscent of New Order. Year of Trouble is a particular standout, with repeated piano phrases and intimate vocals vividly reflecting on a separation that widens over time: “Waved your flag, sang your song, held you close / Centuries, make believe, letting go / I called around to find out where I went wrong /Parked far away from your new place I needed the walk.” Another on drifting apart is Feel It Change, beginning with ith a plodding bassline and jangly guitars and that swells out passionately as volume grows through a simple melody: “I love you baby but I’m scared to be near you / It’s not the same, it’s not the same when you’re here.” By contrast Baths is a lovely unaccompanied vocal filled with gorgeous lines potently full of memories and emotions: “Like water / Rushed into a daughter / Wild river flowing / No one dared to dam / There’s a long peace / When I hear my dad speak / Weaving comedy / Through his teacher’s eyes.” Less is more throughout the album, as Donnelly’s lyrics simmer through piano and other minimal accompaniment, with other highlights include Ghosts, the title track with profound and intimate memories (“You trace my body for bites / Your fingers go over like search party lights / Pull the tick out of my thigh / Tell me that nothing I have is really mine”) before classy, gently rhythmic, bittersweet closer Laying Low: “You occupy an ever-changing sequence in my mind/ The door is always closing right before I say goodbye.” Wonderful. Out on Brace Yourself Records.
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