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Live Review: Woodes’ debut EP feels six tracks of butterfly kisses

1 November 2016 | 12:54 pm | Abbey Lenton

Woodes' debut EP highlights the artist’s talent for storytelling and creating beautiful imagery.

After a year of fine-tuning and perfecting, vocalist and producer WOODES has finally debuted her self-titled EP. Hazy melodies and chiming percussion, this is an impressive debut from a talented young artist.

There is a very clear link between each song and its lyrical content, and it is an absolute treasure to discover this link, song after song. Filled with a wealth of imagery and story telling, each song has been placed with caution and finesse. This is what has formulated the best possible unveiling into the music industry for the young musician.

‘Rise’ is the first song on the six track EP, and is a steady start, giving the listener a charming insight into the where the artist wants to take them. Her vocals are breathy and effortless, so much so that it can come as a surprise when she warmly hits high notes and executes very impressive vocal runs.

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Already an acclaimed single, ‘The Thaw’ has garnered the attention of many fans who are surely ready to fall even further in love with Woodes’ talents. The nonchalance of the track’s simplicity is balanced by the intensity of the story telling. One of her earlier releases, the success of ‘The Thaw’ has inspired the direction of the entire EP.

The most well-produced song on Woodes has got to be ‘Poison’. A kaleidoscope of melody, Woodes’ own voice is layered in a myriad of beautiful and creative ways. Looping as she creates percussive layers out of nothing but her voice, choir-like notes intensify the track.

With mythical imagery and an introduction that sounds like it was sang by a Siren, ‘Daggers and Knives’ is the perfect title for this song. A welcomed change from the beautiful yet increasing consistency of outstretched vocals, this is the most jolted Woodes’ voice appears on the EP. Similar to ‘The Thaw’, this tune is already a favourite amongst fans.

The tribal-esque percussion of ‘Bonfire’ hints that it would make for an incredible live track. The hand claps and repetitive hook will surely entice an audience to gather around Woodes as if she is the bonfire. The more RnB-like breakdown towards the later half of the song is surprising, but very well-received. It amplifies the track, rounding out the quirkier tune on the EP.

There is a sense of finality to ‘Byron’ that makes it the perfect closing number for Woodes. Clearly an homage to the famous Australian coastal town, she details the way the ocean makes her feel. ‘I’m caught in a current in your love, and I’m swimming deep’, Woodes’ story telling abilities are continuously mystifying. The last minute of the song, and the whole EP, is filled with layers upon layers of breathy vocals, chiming percussion, and the familiar sounds of splashing water.

Woodes’ year of hard work and scrupulous production has paid off with the release of the beautiful collection of songs that is her EP Woodes.

Words by: ABBEY LENTON

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