Em Wurramara’s Latest Record Expands Horizons Without Losing Heart

Em Wurramara’s latest album is a revelation, a luminous journey that expands her sonic horizons while retaining the organic, timeless essence of her craft. In contrast to the earthy intimacy of her 2018 debut *Milyakburra*, this record feels widescreen, cinematic even—each track unfurls like a scene in a film, filled with unexpected turns and profound emotions. Yet, despite its expansive scope, the album never loses the deeply personal touch that makes Em’s music so compelling. This collection of songs is a masterclass in balancing evolution with authenticity, as Wurramara effortlessly blends diverse genres into a cohesive narrative that is both surprising and familiar.
From the first notes, the album draws you in with a sonic softness that carries an underlying power—a feminine energy that is both gentle and fierce. “Midnight Blues,” one of the album’s most poignant offerings, still brings tears to Em’s eyes, and it’s easy to see why. This track, born from a New Year’s Eve festival and dedicated to the enduring strength of her mother’s love, builds to a 70s-inspired outro that channels a raw, almost primal rock energy. It’s the closest Em has come to pure rock in her career, and the result is cathartic, reminiscent of the healing power found in her 2016 track “Black Smoke.” There’s something undeniably restorative in the way this song unfolds—a sense of release that lingers long after the final chords fade.

“WWGBH” (When We Go Back Home) is another standout, and I found myself utterly captivated within the first seconds of this track. The harmonies between Em and Velvet Trip’s Zeppelin Hamilton are nothing short of transcendent, their voices intertwining like a dance that elevates the song to ethereal heights. The slide guitar work is exquisite, adding layers of depth that complement the heart-wrenching beauty of the lyrics. This song feels like a tender embrace, one that lingers in the mind and soul long after the music stops.

As the album progresses, there’s a palpable sense of energy building—a cauldron of emotions and sounds bubbling to the surface. “It’s You” marks a turning point, where the record starts to gather momentum, drawing you into its intoxicating mix of rhythms and textures. This track is irresistible, hot and heavy, a dance between light and dark that leaves you breathless. You can feel the power simmering just beneath the surface, waiting to erupt.

“Lordy Lordy,” featuring Tasman Keith, is pure dynamite—a protest club anthem that showcases Em’s most pop-forward moment yet. The track is a fierce statement, a call to action that demands to be heard, both on the dance floor and beyond. “Boom Biddy Bye” follows in its rhythmic footsteps, a groovy, infectious tune that keeps the energy high and the spirit soaring.

But just as you’re swept up in the album’s vibrant pulse, it draws you back to its roots with tracks like “Friend” and “Verandah.” “Friend” is a powerful reclamation, a reflective piece that examines the complexities of the friendships that shape our lives. The stripped-back acoustic elements give the song a raw, honest feel, allowing Em’s voice to shine in its purest form. “Verandah,” an ode to family and community, is another acoustic gem—its simplicity is its strength, offering a moment of quiet introspection amidst the album’s broader soundscape.

“STFAFM,” the album’s focus track, is a raucous anthem that tackles mental health with unflinching honesty. Featuring Em’s little brother, spoken word poet Arringarri, this track is a highlight of her live shows—a sing-along moment that unites the audience in a shared experience of joy and resilience. It’s a song that captures the album’s essence, blending fun and serious themes in a way that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.

“See Me There,” featuring the ethereal Lisa Mitchell, is a breath of fresh air, a seaside folk love song that feels like basking in the warmth of a sun-drenched afternoon. The slide guitar here is particularly stunning, painting a vivid scene that transports you to your favorite beach, the waves lapping at your feet as you soak in the golden light. In these final weeks of winter, this track is a reminder of the joys of summer, bringing a sense of peace and contentment.

The album closes with “Passport,” a 90s RnB/soul-influenced track that is as heartbreaking as it is beautiful. This song brings the journey to a soulful, reflective end, leaving you with a lingering sense of longing and fulfillment. It’s a fitting conclusion to an album that has taken you through a vast emotional landscape, one that is as intimate as it is expansive.

Working with co-producer Mangohig, Em has crafted an album that is as magical as it is unexpected, drawing in production elements that add layers of mystery and wonder to her already rich sound. This album is a triumph, a breathtaking exploration of sound and emotion that feels both expansive and deeply rooted. Em Wurramara has crafted a work of art that is not just music but an experience—a journey that invites you to lose yourself in its beauty, only to emerge feeling more connected to the world around you. It’s an album that demands to be listened to, felt, and cherished—a true testament to the power of music to heal, inspire, and transcend.

Victoria Kozbanis