“Dames” – Molly Contogeorge

Sydney songstress Molly Contogeorge serves up another slice of girl power with her aptly titled new EP Dames.

You always hope an EP will open with a bang; this one opens with two. The first track “Bang Bang” drips sass. The horns give it a delightfully retro vibe that transports the listener to a retro speakeasy.

The next track “Bad Boy” is another girl power anthem that calls out all those men we find so alluring. Molly’s trademark piano anchors the upbeat number beautifully.

Molly shows us her softer, more vulnerable side with the stunning “Brother”. It’s jazzy, but it’s got a heartbreaking rawness to it that so many numbers of the genre lack. We’re not held at a distance here. Molly invites us in.

The title and final track “Dames” is a great bookend for this EP, as it takes us back to the big brassy sound and vintage feel of “Bang Bang”. After feeling emotionally sapped by “Brother”, I was looked for something to put a smile back on my face. “Dames” delivered in spades.

I had high hopes for this EP after enjoying Molly’s previous effort Glasshouse Living. This local dame definitely didn’t disappoint.

Image used with permission from Molly Contogeorge

“Glasshouse Living” – Molly Contogeorge

It took just five songs for Sydney singer-songwriter Molly Contogeorge to knock my socks off with her new EP Glasshouse Living.

The disc opens with “Lead On, Lead On,” a self-assured track which acts as the perfect introduction for newcomers. Molly takes things down a notch with the title track, but it’s an easy groove rather than a sleeper. Just when I thought I might have Molly pegged she took me somewhere different with “Lock and Key.” This brassy number shows another side, with plenty of sass and conviction. But Molly’s not all edges. The following track “Why” is a lush ballad with a palpable ache. “Off I Go” plums similar territory, but in a more minimalist way. This song proves the power of a lone voice and a piano. Without all the noise around it, those heartfelt lyrics really have time to breath.

Glasshouse Living is an eclectic mix, but Molly’s piano playing and delicate voice, dripping in soul, anchor the tracks. They show her to be a dynamic and enigmatic musician. I can’t wait to hear more!

Image used with permission from Molly Contogeorge