.png)
Having already released a number of releases over the years such as The Thaw, Bonfire and her debut album Golden Hour, Australian singer-songwriter Woodes is back with her brand new EP, Hibernation which sees the talented artist step into the next exciting chapter.
Still relatively new to the world of Woodes myself, based on everything I uncovered whilst getting myself properly acquainted, I had a good feeling that I was about to enter something special.
Consisting of 4 tracks, for a new listener Hibernation is the perfect introduction to Woodes, as in this EP we are able to witness first hand at just how versatile and dynamic she is, and how she also has so much potential to become one of the most sensational breakthrough artists.
There is no better way to illustrate that than taking you through the EP itself, because there is so much goodness flowing throughout that it be rude to keep all this excitement to myself. The record begins with opening track Hibernate, a nod to the title of this project and where for the first time we are able to hear Woodes’ captivating voice. Lyrically this song is so intricate and we can really see how she speaking from the heart with this song, its that very quality which makes me appreciate this song even more.
I listen to Hibernate and I get butterflies in my stomach because it feels like we are witnessing the internal awakening moment where you step out of the shadows and into the light, and I think Woodes has captured that atmosphere brilliantly in her lyrics, especially with lines such as ‘Feels like I am making up for lost time, it’s like I don’t even know me, and I am going through the motions, from inside my body’. As a result what you have is something which is extremely powerful and liberating to listen to.
Moving on to the EP’s next track, Don’t Look Back, and inspired by her love of movies and epic battle scenes, this song perfectly encapsulates that vision, not just lyrically but sonically too. The whole aura of Don’t Look Back provides us with something which sonically is articulate, atmospheric and leaves you feeling strong and confident. It is also a song where you really see Woodes really pushing herself and her creativity as an artist in such a stylish fashion. I always love listening to music which is not just good to enjoy, but also something that also ignites a spark within me, and that is exactly what I feel when I listen to this song.
War Cry which follows next is equally as magnificent, and continues to build on the energy of the previous song, but what makes this a little more special how it is such an empowering track, especially with words such as ‘you cannot touch me, or hold it above me, telling me what is real’. An interesting point to note when looking into the concept behind this song, Woodes has often described War Cry as an anthem for women, and I do pick up on that vibe the more and more I listen to the track as it continues to flow and unravel itself.
After 3 beautiful songs, the EP comes to a close with closing track Heavenly, which is both delicate but equally so stunning and brings together all Woodes’ qualities as not just a musician but a storyteller too. What I really admire about Heavenly too is how it just draws you so that your full attention is placed on Woodes vocals its fantastic range, especially when hearing some of those high notes.
With the EP being out for almost a month, it's easy to see exactly why there is so much praise around this record. Each and every song possesses its own unique qualities, but also are so creatively choreographed where the pieces of the jigsaw fit perfectly in to place. As I said at the beginning Hibernation is a representation of Woodes’ next chapter, and based on what I have listened to, not only am I hungry for more, but I am so happy to discover someone who I can confidently call one of my new favorite international artists of 2023 and beyond!
Currently in the middle of her tour across Australia as one extra treat for all our readers and fellow Woodes fans we were grateful to have the opportunity to speak to the lady herself.
Huge congratulations on the release of the EP, still fresh in the hands of music fans, but
what does it feel to finally have it out there in the world? Thank you! It’s been really beautiful to see and hear people’s reactions to the music… It feels triumphant to have new music out. Since writing it I have been listening to it myself on my adventures, so it’s always a nice thing when you can share that beyond your own headphones. I’m very proud of this music so it just feels yeah, very special to be able to have more people listen.
Tell us a little bit about what you wanted Hibernation to represent? Hibernation was me emerging out of a period that was very dark, so it’s quite a literal one I suppose… talking about Hibernation. I decided to put everything into a dream of moving overseas and wanted to explore and work out where I wanted to land. To me it’s leaning into a very specific darker side that I love writing in.
Was there a particular songs on the EP which felt most wholesome to work on, but also
pleasantly surprised you once you had brought it to life? War Cry was really fun to create and the bridge ended up turning into a song called Heavenly, which closes the EP. Heavenly is probably my favourite on it - so I'm grateful War Cry lead us there.
What makes you smile about the journey you have taken so far?
Meeting the community around my music at shows and getting lovely messages about the songs makes things really real. I love that bit.
Sending our love and admiration to Woodes and hope we are able to welcome her to the UK real soon.
Available to listen to on all major platforms, take the journey with Woodes and listen to Hibernation today!
Connect To Woodes
Article By Thushara Chandrasiri
Kommentare