'Small Town Temple' is set for release on January 20 2023 and includes her three latest releases, the lulling ‘Old News’, the raw ‘Achilles Heel’ and the playful ‘Words Like These’.
For almost two decades now, Ella Hooper has been an absolute force within the Australian music industry. First blasting onto the scene as a teenager, her work in Killing Heidi absolutely dominated the charts, earning the esteemed songstress a wealth of accolades along the way.
By the age of 18, she was the first woman to be awarded APRA’s Songwriter of the Year. Now 39, Hooper’s long-awaited second solo release Small Town Temple displays a triumphant reinvention for the revered songwriter, with the singer’s newest edition highlighting a massive departure from the dream-pop soundscapes found on In Tongues.
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From the country twangs and yodelled vocal delivery of the title track to the soulful Motown grooves of ‘Love In The Time Of Cowardice’, Small Town Temple is certainly an album that debuts a new Hooper.
‘Old News’ stands out due to its refined, organic approach which allows Hooper’s stark songwriting and well-rounded vibrato to shine. ‘Get Down, Stay Down’ adopts pounding Suzi Quatro-esque drum beats, whilst ‘Achilles Heel’ displays an impressive contrast between Hooper’s vocals and off-kilter beats, creating a free-flowing melody perfectly apt for the intimate nature of the song’s lyrics.
In a particularly defining moment, album closer ‘Long Gully Road’ sees Hooper deliver almost an isolated vocal performance, with the song’s enigmatic melodies laying an immersive foundation for Hooper’s authentic vocal delivery. A powerful closer to an incredibly notable release.
After a multitude of gold and platinum records and four ARIA Awards, Ella remains committed to her craft. As she sings on Small Town Temple: “Still strong, still on a
mission.”
The album will be released January 20 2023. Pre-order her album Small Town Temple here.
To celebrate the release, the award-winning Aussie music legend is hitting the road early next year – including a show in Barwon Heads. Find out more here.
