You might not know the music of Grace Farriss yet, but her musical pedigree is sure to raise expectations. The daughter of INXS legend Andrew Farriss has stepped into the spotlight with the release of her debut album, Grace.
The album opens with the lead single “All the People,” a poppy delight with a little vintage flair. As the next floor filler “Dancing How I Feel” started up, I started to feel like I had a handle on who Grace Farriss is. With her pleasant voice and pop leanings, I started to imagine she could be the next Kylie Minogue.
The retro vibes kept coming with “Studio 54” and “Star,” but these tracks were turning points for me. I started to realise Grace is much more than simply a pop princess who’s listened to a few old records. “Studio 54” adds a little funk and psychedelia to her sound. “Star” is an unashamed homage to David Bowie which showcases Grace’s rock edge. There’s so much more depth here than I’d anticipated.
“I Love You” shows Grace’s softer side. With simple strings and piano accompanying her, this stripped-back ballad really showcases Grace’s voice and vulnerability. “Opieland” and “Women of the World” are natural follow-ups, dreamy numbers with folky sensibilities that make Grace seem far less mainstream than I first thought.
“Water Under A Bridge” may be my favourite song on the album. After so many delicate numbers, this rocking track seems even ballsier. I’d love to hear Grace playing in this bold, bluesy space more.
By the trippy closer “Interstellar Love,” I knew there was much more than Grace Farriss than I first thought. She’s capable of producing some very catchy pop music, but her understanding and passion for all genres makes her music much more interesting than the tunes from most radio darlings. Grace sees her experimenting with so many different sounds and proving she can confidently play with them all. I’m not sure whether she’s still finding her niche or she refuses to be pigeonholed. Either way, the music she’s making shows she’s a real talent in her own right.
Grace is out now.
Images used with permission from Grace Farriss
I’ve been a bit lax on reporting Aussie chart news of late. I missed writing about when Grace topped the charts, and when her brother Conrad Sewell followed suit. But as John Farnham clocked up his ninth number one album with Two Strong Hearts, I figured I really needed to make the time. Farnsy’s now scored number ones (whether singles or albums) every decade for the last six decades. And let’s not forget about his partner in crime, Olivia Newton-John, who’s now scored her third number one on the albums charts.