★★★★☆
Long-term fans of Australian singer Kylie Auldist are unlikely to be surprised by her recent international chart-busting action.
‘This Girl’ by Kungs vs Cookin’ On 3 Burners – featuring Auldist’s eternally soulful vocals – may be alerting the wider public to her unique suite of talents, yet she has always produced gold standard performances both in the studio and the live setting, either as a solo performer or with funktastic acts like The Bamboos.
Auldist’s qualities as a performer are rare. Her stunning vocal prowess and undeniable potential for stardom are blended with an unaffected, down-to-earth and inclusive persona that makes her eminently likeable. Auldist always looks and sounds as if she loves what she is doing, and this genuine passion erupts throughout her solo album Family Tree.
The record possesses a glossy ’80s-tinged pop sheen, dancefloor-filling rhythms and a multitude of memorable hooks. If you’re sick of the bone-chilling winter, then you’ll rejoice in this album’s bright atmosphere. This is the type of record that should be put on loudly at raucous parties – Auldist and her skilful collaborators exude such joy that it’s impossible to avoid feeling happy.
After listening to Family Tree, it’s easy to predict that Auldist’s international ascent has only just begun, and even wider public acclaim awaits her.
Kylie Auldist’sFamily Treeis out now via Family Tree/Planet.
