In 2020, Yorke blew me away with her debut EP Liberosis. I loved it so much that I named it among my top releases of the year. I couldn’t wait to hear what came next, but I’m glad Yorke has taken her time with a follow-up. Two years after her breakthrough, she’s treated us with ten feet tall.
After two years, Yorke is older and wiser. There’s a confidence that comes with time that shines through these songs. However, she hasn’t lost that youthful spark that drew me to her music years ago. There’s a real nostalgic charm to the upbeat numbers that dominate this EP, including the singles “next life”, “i’ll keep driving”, and “when the honeymoon is over.” After dancing through the first couple of songs, the gentle title track gives us the opportunity to pause, reflect, and get to know Yorke a little better. There’s a quiet power about this song, the only ballad on the EP. Its lyrics are beautifully vulnerable and its simpler orchestration shows us a new side of Yorke and her powers.
When I reviewed Liberosis back in 2020, I said Yorke showed great potential. With the release of her follow-up, I think she’s realising that potential I heard then. It’s pitch-perfect pop, confident and charismatic, whether it’s backed by layered beats or more stripped back. I’m really looking forward to hearing what Yorke does next, but I’m also going to enjoy sitting with these songs for a little while.
Yorke’s ten feet tall is out now. She’ll play the East Coast capitals to support its release in February.
3 February 2023 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
9 February 2023 – The Lansdowne, Eora/Sydney
10 February 2023 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane
Images used with permission from Island Records Australia