- A talented and highly anticipated new voice in Australian rock finally emerges with a self-titled debut EP that touches upon many cornerstones of '90’s grunge, post-punk and shoegaze. From her debut single and the EP’s opener, Fade, Sydney singer-songwriter Annie Hamilton showcased a commanding voice that would not contribute to a world of noise, but instead drown it out.
With a voice that recalls the grunge wit of Ali Barter and the effervescence of Angel Olsen and a guitar presence that’s as harsh yet oddly comforting as Ride, Fade is a perfect introduction to Annie Hamilton’s sonic vision. The EP closer Panic covers similar ground, finding a balance between fuzzy reverb and emotive lyrics: “Like a record spinning ‘round the corners of my mind / I can feel the panic setting in,” relishing the chance to do something like a dreamier take on a jangly My Bloody Valentine cut.
Among the EP’s deeper cuts is standout track Californian Carpark Concrete, which sees Hamilton use concrete as a metaphor for the struggles of establishing control within her own life. Though the EP is packed full of meaningful lyrics, there’s a deepness to “Dark morning freeway to the horizon / headlights drag me into oblivion,” that so gently transports you to this vividly depicted memory.
While the EP was influenced by such pivotal and iconic bands, Annie Hamilton asserts a bold vision that never feels reliant on her influences. It’s almost as if this EP could exist without these bands having paved the way. Annie Hamilton was always bound to find her calm path through the noise.
- Sean Tayler.