Sydney-based singer-songwriter Sammy Honeysett today releases her debut EP Queen of Wands, revealing more of the rising talent’s wistfully melodic indie-rock. Produced by Jack Nigro (Julia Jacklin, Middle Kids, DMA’s), the five-track offering is a reflection of Sammy’s versatility as a sensitive yet determined artist.
Revealing how the EP got its title, Sammy says she discovered the Queen of Wands Tarot card whilst helping a friend move house: “The tarot card meaning has courage, confidence, independence and determination. It summed me up… I’m determined to achieve great things with my art, and it’s just the beginning.”
Lead single I C UR LIPS has already seen much support from the industry, including from triple j Unearthed. The track’s pulsing energy devotes itself to helping move the downhearted on from a break up, showcasing Sammy’s assertive and sultry vocal energy. The more surreal-sounding With Another has a dreamier vibe, with its atmospheric, reverberated guitars and floatier vocals. Immediately apparent is Sammy’s diversity of storytelling, an ability to deliver in a style that is relaxed and reflective on one track, then vibrantly self-assured on the next.
Third track, Play Nice, bounds along at a more playful pace, it’s cheerfulness accentuated by Sammy’s sweetly soaring vocals atop bouncing drums and perky guitar play. Switching down a gear, the more heartfelt Temptation (written with Isaac Caggs) explores the sentimentality and subsequent letting go of someone you won’t just settle for. There is a captivating sadness in the song’s calming rhythms.
Dad’s Song closes out the EP on a shimmering personal note, its guitars and ethereal melodies perfectly showcasing Sammy’s mature lyricism and authentic, dynamic capabilities as an artist. This final track underlines a collection of songs, stories full of courage, independence and determination befitting the Queen of Wands.
Queen of Wands is available worldwide, today Thursday 1 April with launch party scheduled for Saturday 10 April at Oxford Art Factory, Sydney. Listen to Queen of Wands now.
