With a sense of whimsy and reverie, the debut single from Albury’s Zali Monroe is a dreamy delight. Monroe’s wry observational style recalls elements of Bjork or Phoebe Bridgers and the atmosphere generated is that of a mesmerising billowing cloudy nest, filled with wonder. A rousing indelible chorus edged with the hint of horns is quite beautiful. The song appeared like magic – according to Monroe:
I put my voice recorder on and sang ‘Moonbeam’ as if I’d already written it.
The sparse instrumentation and vocal layers creates almost a hallucinogenic fugue with a psychedelic edge, while the lyrics are melancholic and raw:
When it rains it pours, instead of
Getting scared like she would before
She just close her eyes dream it’s a
Big round of applause
And they did applaud, when she
Learnt that crying ain’t no fraud and
Ain’t something we’re taught
She could cry before she saw
She don’t hide tears anymore
This is a stunning debut filled with atmosphere, grace and maturity:
‘Moonbeam’ is out now and available here.
