With her sophomore album Blastoma, Ngaiire confirms that she’s one of the most exciting female voices in Australian music.
She has a knack of adding gravity to a fairly simple lyric, like in the opening track “Anchor.” In less capable hands the next number “Once” could be a cruisy love song, but I feel the yearning that elevates it. Co-producer Jack Grace’s vocal cameo in “Cruel” works a treat, with their very different voices playing off against one another beautifully. The dynamic rhythms and biblical undertones make “House on a Rock” a real standout. I must confess that the next handful of tracks didn’t grab me quite as much, but I was back on board for “Many Things,” which had me grooving in my seat. And I think anyone who isn’t moved by the gospel grandeur of “Fall Into My Arms” probably needs to check for a pulse.
Blastoma is like nothing I listen to, with an unusual blend of overdubs and effects anchored by more organic sounds. I might not have warmed to every track, but there’s so much soul in what she does. I’m talking real soul. Not the lightweight soul music with a pop bent that dominates the charts. I mean true, raw, sometimes gut-wrenchingly gritty soul music from the very depths of her being. And that is a very compelling thing indeed.
Blastoma is in stores now. Ngaiire is currently touring the album around the country. You can still catch her at the following shows.
24 June 2016 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
25 June 2016 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
2 July 2016 – The Foundry, Brisbane
8 July 2016 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
9 July 2016 – Transit Bar, Canberra
24 September 2016 – Catani Gardens, St Kilda
1 October 2016 – Centennial Park, Sydney
Image used with permission from Positive Feedback