:: Washington - I Believe You Liar

Washington

Megan Washington has come a long way in the past two years, from being “Unearthed”, to now on the verge of winning ARIA Awards (surely she should win one this year!). She has caught the Australian music scene by storm, with her infectious music and story-telling style, as a uniquely interesting person. The debut album by her outfit Washington is a result from previous EPs that have gained popularity, plus an undefined persona, where people have noticed her “library clerk” look, but remembering how she plays high energy piano & guitar-based music which has endeared herself to many. Washington has won over many because of this intrigue. But it‘s worth noting on the album that Megan is a fine talent in singing and songwriting. There is cheekiness, irreverence, love, power and good humour in the music she makes. This album is sure to please fans and gain her new ones. It's a blessing to the music scene that somebody like Megan Washington has arrived - to bring a fresh voice and style. And she doesn't “fit” into a particular category. 'Rich Kids’ opens the album as a quite emotional song, yet it doesn‘t set the course for the ensuing tracks. It's worth checking the songs 'Sunday Best’, ‘The Hardest Part’, ‘Navy Blues’ to the beautiful, powerful ones like ‘1997’ and the title track ‘I Believe You Liar’. From these listens, it's difficult to label Washington. Yet, there is cohesion just the same. In being emotional and thought provoking, Megan can switch the tempo to make you dance in her unique brand of fun, upbeat sounds of the piano. As such, some people may need a few listens to fully appreciate it. She has set the bar pretty high on the band's work but we've already seen them progress well from earlier EPs. It's a terrific debut effort and is one of the best Australian albums this year.