In "Sidelined," the persuasive singer-songwriter Hannah Stow's most recent project, the genuine emphasis on the universally felt emotions of dejectedness becomes the prime focus of the EP. Short and sweet, the sixteen-minute EP is a creative undertaking from the Australian indie artist distilling her life experiences in nuanced yet relatable lyrics, adorned by production free-ranging between styles. Easy on the ears and greatly feelgood, we felt urged to write down our take on this collection of unfiltered tunes.
Since her first release "Fast Cars Mashup Cover" (with Callaa) in 2020, Hannah's career has crossed several milestones; prominent publications and radio stations have duly acknowledged her talents, including Triple J and Rolling Stone. Her discography has drawn hundreds and thousands of streams (as platforms like Apple Music have shown playlist support). Notable tracks that ensnared our attention were the heartbreak-themed pop-punk creation "Waste Your Time," pop-rock and RnB crossover "ADHD Daydream" and more recently the somber rock ballad "Even Divide." A constant factor that lends authenticity to her songs is the relevant melancholia ingrained in the lyrics and expressed through the ardent vocal delivery— enriched by the radio-ready and polished instrumentation set to grab most listeners’ attention ("...yet every time I would post snippets of these songs on my Instagram or TikTok people would go wild for them..." as Hannah revealed about her EP).
Getting into the EP, the first track "Leaving Perth" immediately presents its vulnerable and intimate qualities. Doused with washed-out guitars and synths coupled with softer percussions that form relaxing rhythms, the homesick and enticing vocals dwell upon leaving hometown and thus loved ones. "In the Dark" broadens on prior themes, minimal and stripped-back in its making as the songstress opens up about solitude during tough times in a naturalistic performance upheld by an electric guitar; its compellingly moody and breathy arrangements made it our favorite.
Equipped with chords of muted brassy synths, "But I Lie" picks up the pacing of the EP with groovy trap drums, never turning too loud and leaving ample leeway for the expressive rendition from the tender vocals. As "Dawson Road" enters, a dynamic union of drums and low-key, but harmonic guitar riffs are guided by the contemplative singing (which takes a livelier stance during the finishing chorus) that recalls a former relationship. Here on out, the EP trades reflective attributes for more snappy and crisp compositions; as heard in the fifth inclusion "Hard Facts," stomping kick-drums and rushing hats give a funky trap-like flow and the candid vocals turn bolder with energetic rap flows. The final track "Shade On Your Name" is the most uptempo and spry one, having a gritty bassline and smacking DnB drums in its arsenal, served with synthesized vocal chop melodies as the breakdown showcases the delicate side of the tune. Here, the vocalist opens up about a painful break-up described in unflinching and sensitive lyrics.
Listen to "Sidelined" on Spotify and stay tuned with Hannah Stow and her future projects on Instagram.
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