I was initially in two minds when I sat down to write this review. I have waxed lyrical about two singles from Asha Jefferies‘ EP before. “Chaos” and “Everybody Talks” were such standout songs, I wondered what I could possibly say about the EP that I hadn’t already said before. Perhaps I’d better just introduce you to the latest brilliant cut, “If You Were My Hero” and be done with it.
However to do that and neglect the EP review felt like ignoring its beauty. Asha Jefferies’ singles are gorgeous. You can certainly appreciate them out of context. But on the EP Hold Yourself Together they create a more complete, more powerful picture. They’re like pages from a diary, stories of moments that together make up a tumultuous period of time. While the singles struck me, they’re no stronger than any of the songs that haven’t garnered radio play.
Asha Jefferies is such a talent, and her debut EP Hold Yourself Together is the perfect showcase of that talent. Her poetic, vulnerable lyrics and distinctive voice that seems to effortlessly slide up and down the scale have continually impressed me. Her songs have a charming folksiness, a catchy pop sensibility, and a heart that’s undeniably compelling. Discover them. All of them.
Hold Yourself Together is out now. Asha will play the following shows to support its release.
8 February 2019 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
9 February 2019 – Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay
13 February 2019 – Golden Age Cinema & Bar, Sydney
15 February 2019 – The Retreat Hotel, Brunswick
16 February 2019 – The Espy, Melbourne
17 February 2019 – The Porch Sessions, Brighton
28 February 2019 – Beaufort St Songwriters Club, Defectors Bar, Mt Lawley
1-4 March 2019 – Nannup Music Festival, Nannup
Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado