When The Jezabels, Hayley Mary steps out on her own and into a room with producer Scott Horscroft (Silverchair, The Presets, Tkay Maidza, Middle Kids) and DMA’s Johnny Took, you stand up and listen, and then you stay on your feet for a standing ovation at the end.
The Piss, The Perfume; well it doesn’t take the piss at all, but it does leave a gorgeous, lingering fragrance of unshakable elegance, undeniable talent and unapologetic insight into the current social climate.
Across five stunningly arranged, down to earth tracks, Hayley Mary sheds her Jezabels identity to display herself as a unique solo artist with an incredible amount of wisdom and quirk to offer. But it’s not rebranding as such, it’s merely the extension and the surfacing of greatness.
The title track, ‘The Piss, The Perfume’ is faultless with its retro guitars, Americana rolls and deep emotional charge (though not in her usual brooding style). Unexpectedly, Hayley Mary channels more Cyndi Lauper than her own Jezabels vocal styling, a refreshing change of tone. ‘Like A Woman Should’ is the feminist track we deserve in 2020 and ‘Ordinary Me’ delves into sombre territory with its sweet melodies. ‘Holly’ is the defining track and the reason for this stunning EP’s existence, and we are so bloody thankful. ‘Brat’ closes with a punk bang that completes the colourful mixed bag.
Exceptional!
4.5/5
I OH YOU
Reviewed By Tammy Walters