Alyx Dennison has never been a household name – even in the cooler households – but those who have latched on to her previous projects have stuck with this prodigious young woman throughout. Her previous outfit, kyü, needed little more than delay pedals and floor toms to start up an awe-inspiring journey into atmospheric post-pop.
Simultaneously, she also served as a secret weapon for Sydney band Parades; adding in additional keys, percussion and vocals that would often elevate live performances from good to great. These traits are explored, developed and enriched on her debut solo LP; although it’s predominantly quieter an environment than we’re used to finding her in. I Don’t Love You Anymore recalls PJ Harvey’s more tender moments (think You Come Through or the White Chalk LP); while opener Triptych slowly burns into breathtaking majesty.
It doesn’t quite get there at times – the record’s ambience is occasionally stifling, and the shorter interludes threaten to be dead weight. It’s when this eponymous release is at its finest, though, that it showcases the true talent within Dennison as a composer and a performer. Furthermore, it’s indicative of even brighter, smarter and more wondrous things to come.
BY DAVID JAMES YOUNG
