Album Review: Two Steps On The Water - Sword Songs

Melbourne's Two Steps On The Water has one of the most captivating live shows going around - an emotive punk-folk cabaret spearheaded by the inimitable June Jones.

If that energy doesn't quite translate to the studio, the nine tracks on the trio's latest album come close. With her impassioned vocals and no-bullshit demeanour, Jones shreds melody and bigotry while navigating the joys and agonies of transgender experience. From the life-affirming wordplay of Camouflage to the gut-wrenching introspection of Salmon and Can I Not?, Sword Songs epitomises Jones' ability to get under your skin as she invites you inside hers.