Local Roots

24 Jul 2018

Album Review – Odette’s To A Stranger

Reviewer – Tristan Winter

I was driving to get my Mum from the airport the other day and an angel started singing through my car speakers. It was so intense that I actually had to pull over and listen to the song in its entirety. I had that mini heart attack waiting for my Shazam to tell me who it was and the song that showed was by Odette and it was called Onyx featuring LANKS. I was familiar with LANKS, but not with this angel Odette. The internet soon slammed me for not knowing who she is. Shame on me! I know.

Born in England, but raised in Sydney, Odette has just released her debut album To A Stranger. It is no wonder her shows have been selling out around Australia.

She is an incredible writer and shows off some of those skills in songs like her first single Watch Me Read You, which is part piano ballad, part spoken word.

Odette draws on jazz, soul and new wave to create a record that is so easy to listen to. Perfect for sitting down with a nice big cuppa and watch the rain in this cold Melbourne Winter.

Again, the album displays her full range of writing ability and musical talent. She takes us on a perfectly balanced journey with songs like Pastel Walls displaying heart felt beauty, then Take it to the Heart which has a lighter, catchier feel. With her piano always present in her songs and her gorgeous, soothing voice reaching into your soul it is very easy to get lost in her world. When I was listening to her it reminded me of a mix of Bat for Lashes and Thievery Corporation.

She is touring around Australia over the next month, but most of her shows have sold it! Watch this space because this girl is about to blow up. All I can I say after listening to this album on repeat and staring out the window for the last hour is this album is gorgeous! Her voice is gorgeous! Her music is gorgeous! Just gorgeous!

Tune in Tuesday’s 10pm for the best Aussie music on Local Roots

Remember to turn your radio dial to JOY 94.9 every Tuesday night at 10pm where we play the best new release independent Aussie tracks. Not in Melbourne? Just head to www.joy.org.au/listenlive to listen online, or catch up with a podcast.