★★★★

The past is a good topic to write about. For most artists it can be a form of therapy, reliving the experience outside yourself.

On Supercry, Brisbane’s Emma Louise is crying out for the past; those times when she was younger, freer or in love as in ‘West End Kids’, ‘Talk Baby Talk’ and ‘Underflow’.

Louise’s exploration of the past makes this album an extremely painful one – one of loss and disregarding the pain that provides a warning not to lose again. And then there’s ‘Grace’, an ode to a friend who has passed.

For such heavy themes, Supercry could risk becoming draining, but the warmth in Louise’s voice is such a pleasure to hear, especially in the latter half where the instrumentals are largely acoustic and slower. This follows a first half that’s loaded with synthesizers, drum machines, eccentric layering and child-esque backing vocals that occasionally water down Louise’s magic. ‘West End Kids’ is one of those nostalgia-filled songs that could pass as a tame Lana Del Rey track.

Ultimately, the top half of the album is radio-ready, with its catchy hooks and big production, but the back end is where Louise shines. Influences like Missy Higgins and Sarah Blasko seep through, resulting in songs that are brimming with substance.

Emma Louise’sSupercryis out now on Liberation.

Get unlimited access to the coverage that shapes our culture.
to Rolling Stone magazine
to Rolling Stone magazine