Album Review: Jess Locke - Universe

There's a lot to learn the second time around and Jess Locke marks a clear step forward from the DIY stylings of her previous recordings to a larger production and full backing band on Universe.

With her unique voice and soft Australian twang, the Melbourne-based muso is immediately reflective on opener Drive To Drink, a song that tackles personal responsibility, while Dangerous captures the sincerity and earnestness of writing songs for yourself.

While previous single Paper Planes highlights the indie singer-songwriter at her catchiest, album closer Border Security best shows Locke's development with its powerful crescendo and makes her a difficult artist to pigeonhole. And that's a good thing.