Having enjoyed both critical acclaim and an endorsement from label mate Bon Iver, the debut album from Australian singer Sophie Peyton, aka Gordi, was always going to attract plenty of attention. If Peyton feels any pressure about the dreaded “next big thing” tag, it certainly doesn’t manifest itself on Reservoir, a record that was recorded across different continents.
With a thematic focus on relationship turmoil, Gordi’s sultry tone and intimate lyrics put her anguish front and centre. A perfect example is ‘Heaven I Know’, with its wracked lines, “Wear me out/ all strung out”. There’s oodles of raw emotion here, and Reservoir is further enhanced by its intricate mix of organic and electronic instrumentation. Throughout, it blends acoustic guitar, piano and synths to spellbinding effect, with the likes of ‘Bitter End’ and ‘Can We Work It Out’ modernising folk in a style similar to Bon Iver.
All told, this is a stunning collection of atmospheric folktronica. Reservoir is an incredible debut.