Something must be in the holy water – if the recent domination of Church-reared artists in the pop arena is anything to go by. Growing up with the bible certainly hasn’t hindered the mainstream success of acts among the likes of Kings of Leon or Katy Perry. The offspring of devout missionaries, Sydney-sider Sarah Blasko, looks set to carry on the trend.
No stranger to the airwaves, Blasko has been making music since she could talk, and was raised on an encouraging diet of church organs and gospel. The 32-year-old’s presence has been felt in the Australian music scene for quite some time now. Her debut may have only been released four years ago, but she cut her teeth much earlier as the frontwoman of mid-nineties band Acquiesce. Despite this, it is with great shame that I admit to only discovering her delightful music now – but better late than never!
Her deliciously husky voice is set to a charming backdrop of gypsy guitar, mellow big-band and modern jazz arrangements. As with most blue-eyed soul, the emotions bleed through the vocals, especially on bittersweet ballads “Is My Baby Yours?” and “Lost & Defeated”; proving that Blasko could blend in seamlessly among the anti-folkers of New York’s East Village. Half-way through the album, the listener is treated to the exquisite “Sleeper Awake”; a dreamy lullaby with a stunning musical accompaniment to match. The darling harpsichord on the concluding track “Night and Day” gently draws the precious experience to a close.
As Day Follows Night echoes the dawning of a confident new era for the singer, as she establishes herself firmly as a solo artist. Blasko’s is a voice that stands on its own, gliding on the symphony’s ebb and flow as effortlessly as a wayward breeze. Her latest collection is dappled with a rustic yet repackaged quality; a bit like the end result of weeks spent polishing up dainty little trinkets discovered in your Great Aunt’s attic. She bares her soul with unabashed sincerity, oozing all the swanky intimacy of a dimly-lit jazz club in New Orleans.
I listened to her with virgin ears, but felt compelled to delve a little further into her musical repertoire. After some decent investigation, I have arrived at the conclusion that Sarah Blasko has matured like wine. Her latest offering transgresses the easy-listening pop of her earlier work, and takes us on a much more enticing journey through the extent of her rich vocal range and musical tangents.
Listen to While: Losing yourself amongst the hidden treasures of a quaint antique store, with no intention of being found.
Sounds Like: Regina Spektor trapped inside the pages of a nursery rhyme.
