OPPONO11LP
Release date: 5 July 2019
Melbourne native, Olivia Bartley AKA Olympia, is the latest in an ever-increasing swathe of Australasian female artists who’ve adorned our turntables over the last few years. After the success of her debut album, Self Talk, she has returned with a sophomore record full of vibrant and canny art pop that is refreshing in its simplicity. Citing the intertwining of grief and desire as the thread that courses through the album, it would be easy to assume that it is an exercise in catharsis given the references she makes to a relationship being ended in tragedy. It feels much more positive in its outlook though, rarely dwelling on bad vibes or heavy statements.
It is hard not to enjoy this record. It is compelling not just because the melodies are so great, but also because they’re tied together in such a meaningful way. It would be just as easy to enjoy this album as a piece of throwaway pop as it would be to explore the deep subjects she tackles. A thoroughly recommended sophomore from an exciting artist.
- Secret Meeting