SINGLE PREMIERE: Emilee South - Old Flame

Melbourne vintage-soul/blues/rock'n'roll songstress Emilee South is preparing for the release of her new EP, Motel, next month with rueful new single Old Flame, proudly premiering today on theMusic.com.au

The track — an evocative, enchanting tune oozing with old-school, deep-south voodoo and R&B vibes — highlights South's considerable vocal and dynamic powers, ably backed by instrumentalists Matt Dixon (baritone guitar), Ben Franz (double bass) and Joshua Barber (drums).

The mournful soundscape — the sort of tune that would be at home floating through the air in a swampland bar as punters drown their sorrows at the bottom of a whiskey glass — paints a vivid picture of "unrequited love, late nights, and fevers", in South's own words.

It effortlessly pulls the listener along with its contagious, ambling groove, inherent warmth and undeniable authenticity, all serving to enshroud the ears like a comforting aural hug. There's even room for an expressive guitar solo, replete with bent notes and wandering melodies, nicely completing the sublime sonic package.

Old Flame, as with the wider EP, was recorded live at The Aviary Recording Studio, and was engineered by Frasser Montgomery.

Motel will be released via Fever Shake Records on Thursday 11 May.

It promises a darker edge than what's come before from the luminous singer-songwriter, and features a raft of enticing guest vocalists including Kelly Day and Jane Hendry (of Broads), Ben Woolley, Al Parkinson and 'Skyscraper' Stan Woodhouse, among others.

If you enjoy the sounds and happen to be in the area, South will be launching the EP at The Gasometer, supported by as-yet unrevealed special guests, on Saturday 13 May.

See theGuide for all the details.