Album Review: Tara Simmons - It’s Not Like We’re Trying To Move Mountains

After months with her nose to the musical grindstone, Brisbane singer-songwriter Tara Simmons has finally released her secdond album, and there's not a shadow of a doubt that the hard work has paid off. Fans will pleased to hear that Simmons hasn't lost her signature electro-pop sound. What she has done, though, is carefully craft it into something ever better.

Weekend Of Hearts is a great start to the album, the pulsing back track pairing beautifully with her sweet-sounding voice. But don't let her sugary vocals fool you; there's power behind them, as you discover towards the tune's climax. Be Gone has a really catchy beat, even more so with the clapping and well-timed woah-oh-oh's – it's very easy to listen to.

Yearning, lullaby-like track, Honey, brings Simmons' sweet vocals back to the fore. It's one of the simplest-sounding tracks on the album, but there's substance there and it's almost hypnotising. There are so many things right with End Of May it's hard to choose just one; a definite standout with its perky beat and singalong lyrics, it's a pleasure to listen to over and over.

Each of Simmons' tracks feels deeply personal, a sure sign of a great songwriter, and the combination of subdued tracks like Honey and We're All Scared with hook-laden, lyrical songs such as Weekend Of Hearts and End Of May add ever more dimension to an already great album. There are no two ways about it – It's Not Like We're Trying To Move Mountains is a resounding success. Really well thought-out, sophisticated synth pop that actually makes you feel something.