Description

1LP Vinyl 

Leaning away from typical pop trends, Tiaryn tows a very alluring line between soul and gritty alternative. The arrangements flaunt lush harmonies, lulling synths, grimy guitars and compelling stories. On stage, Tiaryn embodies these stories with an effortless confidence and disarming vulnerability that commands attention.

Recorded over three years, the album is a reflection of several distinctive moments in time, and the comfort and safety experienced when a supportive creative environment is provided – in this instance from producer Josh Barber in his renovated church studio in Mollinghip rural Victoria. Accompanied by Tiaryn’s roots of jazz and soul, a dance of light, dark, sparkly and gentle exists with an intensity that can also challenge the listener, pulling them into deep reflection.

Portraying her struggles of early life, the title track ‘Disco Dress’ threads the themes of this album together by tracing them back to core moments of childhood. The depth of this exploration has allowed Tiaryn to come full circle, releasing the dogma around her creative expression while fostering an individuated spirituality and acceptance – encapsulated in tracks such as ‘Waiting For A God’. This full circle experience is also touched on in the singles ‘Goodbye’ and ‘Safely’, exploring the difficulty of letting someone go and breaking away from an abusive relationship. Rhythm section Myka Wallace (drums) and Matt Hayes (bass) apply the perfect blend of restraint and groove to fit singles such as ‘More Than Skin’, a slightly dissonant track with off centre elements about the struggles of casual intimacy. Throughout the three year recording process, textures and timbres were meticulously chosen from Barber’s quaint and expansive recording studio. Vibraphone, marimba, pedal steel, congas, Wurlitzer, Rhodes and harp were layered in order to balance some of the heavier themes on the album. Having not written for a string quartet before, good friends Madeleine Jeavons and Molly Collier O’Boyle (of MSO) encouraged Tiaryn to trust her composing instincts – the result moves parts of the record into jubilant, cinematic bliss. Of the process Tiaryn reflects “My goal for this record was to be more open and vulnerable. It's been a long road to find clarity, self-worth and self-trust in my life and in music. It's important for me to share my story because I have to complete the cycle of creation and release for my wellbeing but I also hope the songs might help people in their lives.”