Artist: Odette
Album: Herald
Release Date: February 5th 2021
Reviewer: Hayley Treadwell

Today we are gifted with the release of Odette’s 2^nd album, ‘Herald’.  An exquisite follow up to her 2018 debut album ‘To A Stranger’.  With her vast vocal range and captivating voice, there is no doubt that Odette has earnt her place in the music world. 

The first thing I noted when I heard Herald was growth.  There is a certain amount of growth to the lyrics and the music and Odette touches on a range of topics, yet somehow stays in that pocket of connection on each one.

We were treated to the first release off the album almost a year ago in February 2020 with ‘Feverbreak’, a magnifyicent and deeply emotional collaboration with fellow Australian Hip Hop Duo Hermitude.  It’s been a very long time since I have felt a song so  deeply.  The combination of the melodic talking and signing tells this songs story. 

The next release we got was again another highly relatable song ‘Dwell’ in October 2020, which had me on the edge of my seat in anticipation for the new album. 

Then in January Odette released ‘Amends’ showing us this album was going to be bigger and bolder than ever!

With today’s album release, fans will get to hear the first & title track, ‘Herald’ which sets a perfect tone of what is to come.  Odette had more of a hands on involvement with the production on this album, and you can instantly hear there is a new feel when you hit play on this track. 

‘Trial by Fire’ is easily on of my favourite songs on the album.  It makes me feel strong and powerful and I literally catch myself dancing up a storm every time it comes on.  It’s followed by the intricately beautiful ‘What I Know Is Not Enough’ which has the most stunning musical backdrop to the lyrics. 

‘I Miss You, I’m Sorry’.  I’m sure we can all relate to this one on some level, that battle between being in love with someone and knowing your worth.  

‘Foghorn’ brings me to tears every single time. Such a beautifully written song with gorgeous piano and violin resonating and driving the lyrics deeper. It’s truly captivating. 

I love the little musical notes on this album, but I love the little Flute melody in ‘Wait for You’  and the truth in the lyrics.

‘Mandible’, Odette’s favourite song on the album, is also the last song on the album and feels like a fitting place to end our journey with Herald. 

‘Herald’ absolutely does not disappoint.  I danced around the house, I sat in awe of lyrics and cried. Overall the album transports me to a deeper place in my soul and I want to keep taking the journey.  Odette’s writing style opens a door for connection and if you allow yourself to walk through it, you will discover a unique and wonderful journey.

This album has been on repeat in my car and my house for the last few weeks and I still cannot get enough of it!  From my interview with Odette, the potential of new music on the horizon just adds to the excitement of this release.

Odette, thank you for being such an open story teller, for being so bold and for being a fun chat!  I can’t wait to chat you again when you have more new music to share with us.

Support local!!  Support Australian Music!!

HERALD TRACKLISTING

Herald
Dwell
Trial By Fire
What I Know Is Not Enough
I Miss You, I’m Sorry
Foghorn
Feverbreak (feat. Hermitude)
Amends
Why Can’t I Let The Sun Set?
Wait For You
Mandible

ODETTE – NATIONAL TOUR DATES

6 May – Altar Bar, Hobart
7 May – 170 Russell, Melbourne
8 May – Volta, Ballarat
9 May – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne [U18]
14 May – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide
21 May – The Triffid, Brisbane
22 May – The Northern, Byron Bay
23 May – HOTA, Gold Coast
4 June – Factory Theatre, Sydney
5 June – The Cambridge, Newcastle
11 June – UniBar, Wollongong
12 June – Fiction, Canberra
18 June – Rosemount, Perth