Long-term fans of Australian singer Kylie Auldist are unlikely to be surprised by her recent international chart-busting action. This Girl by Kungs vs Cookin’ on 3 Burners featuring Auldist’s eternally soulful vocals may be alerting the wider public to her unique suite of talents, yet she has always produced gold-standard performances both in the studio and in the live setting, either as a solo performer or with funktastic acts such as The Bamboos.
Auldist’s qualities as a performer are rare, her stunning vocal prowess and undeniable potential for stardom are blended with an unaffected, down-to-earth and inclusive persona that makes her eminently likeable. Auldist always looks and sounds as if she loves what she is doing and this genuine passion erupts throughout her solo album Family Tree.
The record possesses a glossy ’80s-tinged pop sheen, dancefloor-filling rhythms and a multitude of memorable hooks. If you’re sick of the dreary, dark, bone-chilling winter, then you’ll rejoice in this album’s bright, uplifting and effervescent atmosphere. This is the type of record that should be put on loudly at raucous parties as Auldist and her skilful collaborators exude such joy that it’s impossible to avoid slipping happily into a sunny disposition.
After listening to Family Tree, it’s easy to predict that Auldist’s international ascent has only just begun and even wider public acclaim awaits this talented performer.
BY GRAHAM BLACKLEY
