After decades spent as one of the most iconic voices in Australian music, Jodi Phillis has returned with the latest single from her forthcoming album, with “Silver Stars” set for release this week.
Having risen to fame as the vocalist and guitarist of beloved Sydney outfit Clouds, Phillis launched her solo career towards the end of the band’s initial run, sharing Lounge O Sound back in late 1996. Since then, her solo output has been steady, with numerous critically-acclaimed albums arriving between her work with other artists, bands, and projects, cementing her status as one of the country’s most revered names.
Now, with new album We Need To Be Free set for release this year, Phillis has been sharing new music in the lead-up to record number six. Having released “Summer of Fires” back in February, this week sees the arrival of “Silver Stars”, a blissful piece of psych-pop destined to melt the heart and comfort the soul.
Described as a “magic carpet ride through childhood memories, dreams and the inner realm”, the stream-of-consciousness lyrics see Phillis recalling her childhood, time spent with sister Carrie, and growing up in Los
Angeles, Melbourne and Sydney, with precious time spent outdoors in the Australian bush.
As a dreamy, acoustic guitar-led instrumental swells behind, the Damien Lane-produced “Silver Stars” rises and falls as a mesmerising visual accompaniment adds context and added narration to the track. Featuring animation, production design, and video footage from Jodi and Quirine Van Nispen, and the work of Shelley O’Neil as its editor, the immersive visuals see Phillis astral-travelling through different dimensions as she reunites with lost and distant loved ones.
A fitting track (and video) for the times we find ourselves in, it undoubtedly leaves the listener wondering just what else is on the way for the full-length album when it arrives later this year thanks to the nascent Sound As Ever (Australian Indie 90-99) label.
Jodi Phillis’ “Silver Stars” is officially released on July 22nd, while new album We Need To Be Free will be released later this year via the Sound As Ever (Australian Indie 90-99) label.
