Bertie Blackman takes on a fresh tone with fifth studio album, The Dash.
The Sydney based singer/songwriter has returned with a feel-good, pop album – a complete opposite subject matter to her previous release, Pope Innocent X, which was a more personal exploration of childhood.
The first track, Run For Your Life, is soft and breathy with a slight 80s feel that doesn’t really sound like any other artist in particular but has a synth-pop vibe which runs right through the album. Boasting synths and double tracked, echoey vocals, Run For Your Life’s lyrics are a bit vague – but that just complements the pop feel, leaving an open interpretation for the listener.
A few tracks later, Beams throws you off slightly, with its hip-hop inspired beat and bouncy vocals. Beams sounds almost warped in parts – but not in a bad way.
Minute By Minute follows, with it’s danceable guitar riff and Blackman’s deeper vocals, it instantly hooks you, then mellows a bit near the chorus. The closing, War Of One just solidifies the fact this album was clearly inspired by 80s music. Everything from the speed of the track, to the synths, to the vocal layering just screams “dance to me”.
Listen to it if you’re lusting after a dance floor moment with an 80s twist.
7/10 stars – Taylor Yates
Top photo supplied.
About the author
Taylor Yates is a Bachelor of Journalism student at Macleay College in Melbourne.
