:: Emily Ulman - A Year of Perfect Days

Emily Ulman

The Australian music scene consists of a treasure trove of talented female singer-songwriters who - in a victory to all good music lovers - are all finding success in their own right. Fans are now beginning to reminisce the ‘good ol’ days’ when they used to see Missy Higgins and Clare Bowditch in their local, before they started packing out theatres and stadiums.

With her second LP, A Year of Perfect Days, Melbourne song-smith Emily Ulman could soon be heading towards similar triumphs. This is a great fifteen song collection that effortlessly glides between sombre introspective laments, moody ballads and summery pop – all anchored offcourse by those signature warm and ethereal vocals.

The album opens with the dreamy piano tinged ‘Traffic’ and then moves on to lyrically heavier offerings such as ‘Caught Between the Lines’, one of several songs about the complications of relationships which Ulman describes with deft lyrical details with lines such as ‘Today your instruments are finely tuned or an intersection I approach too soon’.

The single ‘You’ll see’ is a jaunty number whose bright melodies hides its pointed lyrics dedicated to a former partner. ‘Slump’ is a standout, an unfurling folksy ballad reminiscent of R.E.M which comes complete with cryptic lyrics. The upbeat ‘Race You’ showcases the illustrious band Ulman assembled for these recording, names include Dave Williams and Edmondo Ammendolla from Augie March and the Devastation’s Hugo Cran.

With a Year of Perfect Days, Ulman has crafted a fine and heartfelt album that will not only grow on you but is sure to increase her already burgeoning fan-base.