Album Review: Sarah Keane, Something Bigger

The long-awaited debut from Sarah Keane is a coming-of-age marvel: a measured probe into life’s pitfalls and peaks that sets us pondering. Across nine tracks, the singer reflects on life and loss, as she embarks on a journey towards self-discovery. Heartache, grief and wonder are to the fore, with a smattering of existential musings adding weight to the mix.

Something Bigger commences with the tender and heartfelt ‘Pagan’s Prayer’, which finds Keane reflecting that, “It’s nice to believe there’s something bigger… well, I’ve always figured that it doesn’t matter.” Along with ‘Thunder And Lightning’, the track nicely showcases Keane’s folk-pop sensibilities, combining a lovely intimate sound with big emotions.

The singer is at her most effective when heavy and brooding, particularly so on ‘June’, wherein she explores the sometimes paradoxical nature of love, singing, “If you loved me you’d leave me… alone”. Something Bigger has many such direct appeals, as well as one-on-one discussions in which Keane finally gets the last word.

Throughout, the singer embraces her growing pains and celebrates our ability to push through hardship. An enormously compelling listen.