Sunshine Coast artist Dear Willow creates music with a folky core and rock edge. In just four tracks, her EP Hold Yourself Down makes a big impression.
Her stunning lyrics are what made the biggest impression on me. They’re laced with emotion, confessional and clever. The songs feel a little like diary entries come to life. Opening track “Hold” is a show of strength, of gaining control of a relationship that’s veering off the rails. Current single “I Was Young” is a powerful rumination on personal growth and the power of coming into your own. “The City” is a delicate observation about the anonymity of urban life. “North of Winter” might be my favourite song on the album, a poetic reflection on a lost love.
As I listened to Dear Willow’s songs, I found myself thinking of singer-songwriters I loved growing up like Jann Arden and Lisa Loeb. Just like those women who captured my heart in those difficult teenage years, what Dear Willow does isn’t flashy or particularly complex. But there’s nothing wrong with music that’s straightforward in delivery when it moves your soul. Nothing wrong with it at all.
Hold Yourself Down is out now. Dear Willow will play a series of shows in her home state to support its release.
20 September 2018 – Tomcat, Brisbane
5 October 2018 – Solbar, Sunshine Coast
6 October 2018 – The Spring Soirée, Samford
19 October 2018 – Solbar, Sunshine Coast
Image used with permission from Firestarter Music