Reviews / Album

The American Scene at their most sincere.

Prepare for the aural assault.

A definitive offering for long-time ‘maggots’.

Pop with an edge.

Of course, there are plenty of other and finer singers mining this catalogue, but if you know nothing about it, After Hours is as good a place as any to dip your toes.

The engaging absurdity of the act delves into Sigur Rós or WU LYF territory (without the screaming) with a refreshing female voice, meshing with the piano and strings perfectly.

It’s less of a statement and a complete work than her first record. It’s stylish and well instrumented but lacking overall personality.

The arrangements are memorable throughout, but at its heart this is a gentle series of piano and guitar ballads, recounting some of life’s bewildering moments in a sincere and uncomplicated way.

Love’s Shadow is a proudly Australian album, void of nationalistic pride but reveling in the landscape and its people. It’s also a very strong introduction to Toby Martin as a solo artist.