Big Star is Katy Steele's first solo record in over six years, and a hell of a lot has changed in that time. Yet these 10 songs feel like a smooth and consistent progression from her 2016 solo debut Human.
It's another collection of incredibly strong pop songs, built around glistening synths and bassy rhythms. Songs that have the kind of sparkle required to match the majesty of Steele's distinctive voice.
The intricate 'Falling Apart' gives way to the propulsive 'Feel So Bad' early in the record, offering a clear snapshot of the musical breadth on offer. Its songs retain a consistent sonic identity though, its myriad classic pop melodies couched in delicate layers of synth and
Steele crafted the album in tandem with her partner Graham Mcluskie in the pair's home studio. With that knowledge, the intricate nature of its arrangements remains impressive, but what's more striking is the pair's ability to know when to pull back.
At no stage do these pop songs feel overloaded - there's a clarity to their ideas and a cohesion to their sound that makes Big Star a pleasure to listen to.
It didn't come easy, but the results have proven worthwhile.
"We took our time to make every piece of this record sound great," Steele said in a statement.
"All of the elements that you will experience were lovingly and frustratingly harboured and chiselled over which took hours and hours of care."
They began work on it in 2018 and, as the world turned upside down, another part of the battle was ensuring its relevance in a world where nothing seems to stay the same.
"The whole record was created in our home studio, by me and Graham. The world we live in is forever changing and hopefully this album will find its place in that new world."
The world may be forever changing but some things remain constant. Among them, the natural beauty and charm of Katy Steele's voice, and the way excellently crafted, intelligent pop songs like these can brighten our lives.
Katy Steele plays the following Australian dates from next month, presented by Double J.
Thursday 6 July - Venue TBA, Newcastle
Friday 7 July - Mary's Underground, Sydney
Saturday 8 July - Heritage Hotel, Wollongong
Friday 14 July - BBQ & Beer Festival, Adelaide
Saturday 15 July - Altar, Hobart
Thursday 27 July - Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
Friday 28 July - Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns
Wednesday 2 August - Ararat Town Hall, Ararat
Thursday 3 August - Sooki Lounge, Geelong
Friday 4 August - The Workers Club, Melbourne
Saturday 5 August - The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine
Thursday 24 August - The River, Margaret River
Friday 25 August - Six Degrees, Albany