Ainslie Wills - You Go Your Way, I'll Go Mine (25/03/2013)
Following on from her 2010 EP, Somebody For Everyone, Melbourne-based Ainslie Wills presents us with her debut album, You Go Your Way, I'll Go Mine.
The album opens with Mary, an eerie, brooding track that tells of a woman's struggle to continue living after she witnesses the death of her lover. An interesting opener, one that perhaps doesn't grab your attention the way one would expect, but a beautiful song nonetheless, and a good choice for setting the tone of the album.
The songs flow nicely into one another, and we are introduced to the album's second track, Lemon Japan. Starting as a slow song not unlike the album's opener, it comes as a bit of a surprise that less than a minute in, we are treated to a slightly more upbeat, funky tune that you will find yourself bobbing your head to.
This breath of fresh air is only temporary however, and the song slows down once more to lead into Reprise. While tempo-play is one of the key musical features of this record, Reprise does not do the technique justice and merely drags on.
Wills really hits her stride with Fighting Kind; a track that immediately makes your ears perk up, and with good reason. It serves as an example of tempo-play done right. With its catchy bass line and Ainslie's vocal chops on full display, this song keeps you captivated the whole way through and leaves you wanting more. Definitely one of the stand out songs on the album.
The trend continues with the next three tracks being just as lovely. Especially This Is What I Write, with its Josh Pyke-esque acoustic guitar and floaty, dreamlike vocals.
Weighing The Promises is the current single, and is suitably radio-friendly. It discusses the complicated nature of relationships; something all of us can relate to, not to mention that it is also the most musically consistent song on the album, however, it is by no means a full image of what Ms Wills has to offer, just a lure for people to discover more.
Next up comes a pure, soulful gem in the form of Early Morning Light. It's as if she has truly saved the best for (almost) last. Wills pulls out all the stops and delivers the warmth that the song title promises. A stark contrast to the opening track.
Finally, we have Something I Prepared Earlier. You arrive at the end of this album and you realise you have gone on a journey. You have experienced the ups and downs, sadness and warmth, and you are in a different place than where you started.
This is a beautifully crafted album; perfect for long drives or lazy Sundays in. Definitely an artist to watch.
Samantha Arabatzis
The album opens with Mary, an eerie, brooding track that tells of a woman's struggle to continue living after she witnesses the death of her lover. An interesting opener, one that perhaps doesn't grab your attention the way one would expect, but a beautiful song nonetheless, and a good choice for setting the tone of the album.
The songs flow nicely into one another, and we are introduced to the album's second track, Lemon Japan. Starting as a slow song not unlike the album's opener, it comes as a bit of a surprise that less than a minute in, we are treated to a slightly more upbeat, funky tune that you will find yourself bobbing your head to.
This breath of fresh air is only temporary however, and the song slows down once more to lead into Reprise. While tempo-play is one of the key musical features of this record, Reprise does not do the technique justice and merely drags on.
Wills really hits her stride with Fighting Kind; a track that immediately makes your ears perk up, and with good reason. It serves as an example of tempo-play done right. With its catchy bass line and Ainslie's vocal chops on full display, this song keeps you captivated the whole way through and leaves you wanting more. Definitely one of the stand out songs on the album.
The trend continues with the next three tracks being just as lovely. Especially This Is What I Write, with its Josh Pyke-esque acoustic guitar and floaty, dreamlike vocals.
Weighing The Promises is the current single, and is suitably radio-friendly. It discusses the complicated nature of relationships; something all of us can relate to, not to mention that it is also the most musically consistent song on the album, however, it is by no means a full image of what Ms Wills has to offer, just a lure for people to discover more.
Next up comes a pure, soulful gem in the form of Early Morning Light. It's as if she has truly saved the best for (almost) last. Wills pulls out all the stops and delivers the warmth that the song title promises. A stark contrast to the opening track.
Finally, we have Something I Prepared Earlier. You arrive at the end of this album and you realise you have gone on a journey. You have experienced the ups and downs, sadness and warmth, and you are in a different place than where you started.
This is a beautifully crafted album; perfect for long drives or lazy Sundays in. Definitely an artist to watch.
Samantha Arabatzis