Brisbane songstress Miss Elm has been a part of our flourishing local scene since releasing her self-titled debut EP. In the past decade the singer-songwriter has worked hard not to be pigeon-holed to any specific genre, embracing instead a wide array of sounds and influences to create a truly unique sound. This is best on display on her sophomore EP The Shape Of Light, a bright collection of five diverse tunes that somehow still manage to flow seamlessly.
Clean Slate opens proceedings, combining folk with electronic-pop production and a theatrical vocal performance. As with all the tracks on this release, Erin (aka Miss Elm) finds the sweet spot allowing each of the distinct aspects to complement each other rather than standalone. The Castle is an electro-pop gem reminiscent of artists like Kimbra and Lorde: layered vocals, finger-clicks topped off with a groovy, driving bassline. Seasons brings back the intimate folk sound but with a gypsy-rock flavour. On display here are acoustic guitars, finger-plucking, cello and beautiful storytelling. On the closing tracks Yin and Yang and Let Go Let Love, Miss Elm continues to shine with vivid instrumentals, memorable hooks and stunning vocals. It’s an EP easy to recommend to anyone who enjoys tasteful genre combinations, unique vocals and an artist who has spent years perfecting her sound and is now reaping the rewards.
On The Shape Of Light, Miss Elm combines a wide array of influences into her best collection of tracks to date. The Shape Of Light is out now.
THE SHAPE OF LIGHT – MISS ELM
This review is courtesy of Phoenix Radio’s Emerge program, hosted by Calen Le Couteur and Russell Thompson. Follow Emerge and tune in on Monday nights 7-9PM HERE.
