EP Review: Little May, ‘Little May’
Words by Scenewave Australia - Published on October 10, 2014
Every now and then, there’s a band that stops you in your tracks. Meet Little May: Liz Drummond, Hannah Field and Annie Hamilton. Since the independent release of their first single in 2012, the Sydney indie-folk trio have been making their way into Australia’s ears/hearts. This year has seen them signing with Dew Process, rocking festival sets at Laneway, Splendour and BIGSOUND and supporting numerous Australian and international artists. On the international front, they’ve just been signed to Capitol Records (US) and Island Records (UK). They’ve also joined American talent agency, Paradigm and will be heading off this month on an international tour, including a stint at the highly coveted CMJ in New York.
…All this before they’d even released their debut EP. Wow.
First single Dust opens the EP beautifully, with glistening guitar tinkering and raw, honest vocals that flow directly into the soul. The intoxicating guitar strums and sparse yet fundamental drums picks lead into the chorus, creating an uplifting folky atmosphere. Reminiscent thoughts fill the atmosphere with lyrics such as “Take me back to summer when the nights were getting warmer and I missed you.”
Gentle guitar plucks lead into second single, Hide, boasting contagious hooks and lashings of perfectly interwoven harmonies under sullen mannerism. Lines “Is it me or is it her that’s in your head?” and “Feed me words while you had her between your sheets; bet she likes that” are harshly emphasised, showing a hard-hitting, evocative rawness.
Hannah’s self-confessed favourite track off the album (it’s true! She told us here) Midnight Hour is simple, yet hauntingly beautiful, with acoustic and electronic elements intertwining throughout. The song progresses and builds at every step, with elusive strings, modest percussion and raring cymbals. The dynamics between light and dark are thoroughly explored to deliver an infectious track. I can easily see why it’s a favourite!
Powerful keys make an early appearance in the EP’s 4th track, Bones, instigating an immediate ‘pop’ vibe- one a little foreign to my Little May-ed ears, but refreshing nonetheless. This up-tempo number builds layer upon layer- a common theme throughout the EP, and one which has been used with precision and power. It’s hard to believe that this is their debut EP.
The EP comes to a shimmering finale with Boardwalks. The simple melody is underpinned by layers of impeccable harmonies (I think that maybe you have realised by now that their vocals are insane!) and tantalising instrumentation. Evolving into a melting pot of true musical beauty, the definitive guitars and melodic keys evokes imagery of road tripping down to the beach on a sweltering hot afternoon. With a double scoop ice-cream.
This absolutely wonderful EP is only just the beginning of what is sure to be a rewarding and super exciting career ahead. It is to be released on Oct 10 via Dew Process.
If you only see one up-and-coming act this year, ensure it’s Little May. You’ll be in for a treat! They kick off their first headlining Australian tour next month.
Catch them at one of these shows:
Sun 2 Nov – The Palais Theatre, Melbourne VIC SOLD OUT
Supporting Rodriguez
Tue 4 Nov – The State Theatre, Sydney NSW SOLD OUT
Supporting Rodriguez
Thurs 6 Nov – Kings Park & Botanic Garden, Perth WA
Supporting Rodriguez
Fri 7 Nov – Kings Park & Botanic Garden, Perth WA SOLD OUT
Supporting Rodriguez
Sun 9 Nov – Kings Park & Botanic Garden, Perth WA SOLD OUT
Supporting Rodriguez
Wed 12 Nov – The State Theatre, Sydney NSW SOLD OUT
Supporting Rodriguez
Sun 16 Nov – Rad Bar, Wollongong NSW
With special guests Winterbourne
Fri 21 Nov – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne VIC
With special guests Winterbourne
Sat 22 Nov – The Front Gallery & Cafe, Canberra ACT
With special guests Winterbourne
Thurs 27 Nov – Newtown Social Club, Sydney NSW
With special guests Winterbourne
Fri 28 Nov – Newtown Social Club, Sydney NSW
With special guests I Know Leopard
Sat 29 Nov – Gorgeous Music Festival, McLaren Vale SA
Fri 5 Dec – Solbar, Sunshine Coast QLD
With special guests Winterbourne
Sat 6 Dec – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane QLD
With special guests Winterbourne
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