An exercise in brilliantly deceptive understatement, Around showcases the formidable vocal talent of Sydney’s Ngaiire over a stripped back core of Casiotone beats. There’s an immense lyrical depth on offer, contextualising the tribulations of a break-up within a hypothetical wartime. Sounding like a more intimate Janelle Monae, Ngaiire is giving every indication that her debut album Lamentations, out Friday July 12, could well be one of the standout local releases of the year.
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