by Tim Buck (@aidmoozic)
There's beauty found in the thoughtful details and careful choices made throughout Amy O's latest offering, Mirror, Reflect. Arriving almost five years after her 2019 album Shell, here lies a meticulously crafted album that arguably embodies a stronger creative ethos than anything of her previous work. It's one of those unashamedly lo-fi albums that feels a bit like listening to an old record player, or maybe even reminds you of your childhood. Lyrically, it delves deep into relationships, self-discovery and her journey to motherhood (it's one of few albums we know of that bears the tag "postpartum" on Bandcamp). Amy Oelsner stays true to her signature style and maintains all the innocence and playful nuance that we've come to love about her music over the years.
First track "Honey" opens with a gentle fade-in, setting reposeful tones. Finely crafted songwriting takes center stage, as Oelsner deliberately opts for lower-end production, lending an additional air of authenticity to things. It's as if she invites us into her own personal space, with each sound resonating as though it were recorded in her own home - capturing each moment with honesty. This is mirrored in the album's cover art, depicting Oelsner playing through a toy amplifier—a visual cue that perfectly encapsulates the album's intimate charm. By embracing a smaller sound, she evokes a greater sense of intimacy and vulnerability. Everything is fuzzier and more distant, like we're being taken back to a simpler time, where things moved more slowly.
On "Dribble Dribble," Oelsner contemplates maternity using playful rhyme, possibly influenced by the numerous children's books she's undoubtedly become familiar with. She touches on both the resilience and the inevitable sense of loss that often accompany the journey of motherhood. It's a song that showcases her uncanny knack for turning seemingly mundane everyday experiences into something deeper. Similarly, on the track "Early Days," Oelsner offers more delicate musings on motherhood. Here, moments are portrayed through fleeting glimpses and short narratives, capturing the beauty and challenges that come with being a parent. Despite the understated nature of these songs, Oelsner imbues them with a depth that deserves acknowledgment.
Mirror, Reflect is a significant milestone for Amy O. By fully embracing her DIY approach, she has been able to create an album that not only showcases her growth as an artist, but also stands out within her discography for its raw authenticity. The unprocessed sound becomes a formidable asset, enriching the inherent charm of her music. Each track serves as a poignant reflection of her life experiences; a narrative that is both introspective and resonant. The album stands as a compelling testament to her sincerity and artistic evolution.