‘Better in Blak’ is Thelma Plum’s barefaced statement album
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24.07.2019

‘Better in Blak’ is Thelma Plum’s barefaced statement album

Words by Priya Francis

This is Plum's response to the sexism and racism she has experienced in the past.

Better in Blak is the statement record the New South Wales singer has been promising since the release of her Monsters EP in 2014.

Thelma Plum’s highly anticipated debut album combines the best of her infectious singalong lyrics with a taste of beautiful songwriting that perfectly showcases the Delungra singer-songwriter’s talents.

‘Clumsy Love’ kicks off the album with the high-energy chorus and rhythmic beat that got fans excited about Plum’s future releases. The track is followed by several other songs with a similar formula of catchy riffs paired with a heavy beat, such as ‘Don’t Let a Good Girl Down’ and indignant anthem ‘Woke Blokes’.

The familiar voice of Gang of Youths’ David Le’aupepe makes an appearance on ‘Love and War’, a nostalgic duet set to the sound of gentle synths and clapsticks, while Sir Paul McCartney lends his guitar skills to ‘Made For You’. ‘Do You Ever Get So Sad You Can’t Breathe’ is the acoustic reprieve the album needs, featuring just a guitar and Plum’s delicate voice.

The title track comes as a victorious response to the racism and sexism Plum endured in 2016. It’s an energetic ode to her experience as an Indigenous woman, and much like the entirety of the record, it features Plum’s endearing and cathartic storytelling combined with pop-infused melodies and rhythm.

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