Project Description
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‘NOTHING BUT WILD’
EP Review
(12th September 2022)
Review by – Paul Kapeleris
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It’s always scary to step out on your own, showing the world everything you’ve got in the hope that someone takes the time to notice. Amy Sheppard has done just that with her debut solo project “Nothing But Wild”, a stunning EP showcasing love as a writhing mess of tangled emotions that couldn’t be more beautiful. Amy is no stranger to the spotlight, enjoying global chart success on multiple occasions as part of iconic Australian group Sheppard. With help from a number of powerhouse songwriters like Trannie Anderson (Reba McEntire, Gabby Barrett), George Sheppard, The Wolfe Brothers, and Phil Barton (The Buckleys, The McClymonts), “Nothing But Wild” is filled with catchy hooks, driving choruses, and a classic lyrical style that takes us back to what made country music great in the first place. Be sure to check out this expertly-crafted labour of love when it drops on September 16. And don’t forget to snag your tickets to catch her performing live at a venue near you, including a hometown launch show at Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall on release day. Better hurry, they won’t last long! We may even get to hear her next big hit.
The EP opens with the title track. Initially released back in April, “Nothing But Wild” is a country-pop banger that would sound right at home amongst Lady A’s best. The track combines elements from both genres, the acoustic instrumentation and Avicii-inspired beats giving it a larger-than-life feel that never gets old. Amy demands attention from the first note with a restrained intensity begging to be let out over a blaring truck speaker. The chorus is a defiant call to break free from the confines of a concrete jungle, a desire bolstered by dazzling promises of Summertime getaways and a night sky brought to life with countless stars. “Turn up this life, gonna make it worthwhile, crazy for miles, we’re nothing but wild”. Warm up those vocal cords and get ready to sing along at one of Amy’s live shows, or be content with the knowledge that you missed out on something special.
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“Blue Guitar” brings us into a vibrant world of Amy’s making. This immersive work depicts the narrator ruminating on a lost love that slipped through the cracks, wondering whether or not it’s worth another go-around. This song pays homage to balladeers like Faith Hill and LeAnn Rimes who elevated the style to its culture-defining status. Though Amy’s vocal performance is powerful and emotive, a subtle confidence suffuses her delivery, cementing her as a country crossover smash. From gorgeous moving harmony lines to an understated bed of instrumentation that perfectly supports Amy’s heartfelt lyrics, “Blue Guitar” is an utter delight from tip to tail. The bridge is a definite highlight, with a fabulous melody and one final narrative shift to show how complicated love can be. “But I always hoped to see your name in lights”. I guess yours will just have to do instead, Amy.
There is a distinct change in the EP’s vibe going forward as Amy finds her artistic voice and style. The rest of the project contains songs that perfectly encapsulate what sets her apart while also appealing to a great deal of people. You just can’t beat killer pipes with production to match. “Sometimes You Learn” incorporates light blues elements and sprinkles a bit of Shania Twain sass over Amy’s best performance yet. This comfortable confidence snugly fits the song’s message of cutting loose and letting go of a bad break-up, coming out all the stronger for what you learned along the way. The track hits a little harder than her previous releases, simultaneously lending itself as the sonic centrepiece of a road trip or night out with the girls. The chorus is empowering, gradually gathering steam as Amy solidifies her resolve with an effective use of short phrases and ideas. “I won’t fall to my knees again, I don’t have the time to spend”. Of course not! She’s far too busy writing absolute bangers.
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“Couple Goals” is a light-hearted track that doesn’t need a music degree to enjoy. Maddie & Tae fans will love the energetic chorus and general positive sentiment. Amy explores the double meaning of the song’s title, both describing elements of the ideal relationship in addition to her future plans with this person. The melody can be a bit one-note at times, but that does make it accessible and easy to sing along with after a listen or two. Booming drums coupled with both acoustic and electric guitars establish a strong harmonic foundation, and the light use of synths give the song a youthful air. “We don’t need to pump the brakes, baby this is love and it won’t wait”. A song to make you smile. And sometimes that’s all one can ask for.
I will not attempt to hide my biases. “Flavour” is unequivocally my favourite track on the EP. It’s sweet, vivid, and utterly entrancing with subtle rhythmic departures that demand just one more listen. Full of memorable hooks and mature songwriting decisions, “Flavour” shows what an enchanting pop-country icon Amy Sheppard has every chance of becoming. It may be more pop than country, but Dan + Shay fans will appreciate the slick production, great melodies, and gorgeous vocal layering. It’s really nice to hear Amy’s own artistic voice coming through with increasing clarity on the back half of the EP, perhaps indicating a more concrete understanding of her place within an ever-expanding genre. “So gimme a taste of that flavour, cause I wanna know what you’re made of”. Whether now or in the future, country fans all around the world will appreciate what a true gem we have been gifted with.
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“Home To Me” rounds off the project with unstoppable momentum and a powerhouse performance from Amy. She really shows what decades of musical experience add up to as her voice soars in the chorus, refined by shades of a life rich with mountainous peaks and fathomless depths in equal measure. The track returns to the basics, giving us a generous serving of classic country progressions and elements with a modern twist. With some of the strongest writing we’ve heard, Amy explains how life takes us in any number of unpredictable directions, but that home can always be found amongst those we love. This message is perfectly summed up in the final line of the chorus. “I’ve been everywhere and in between, but you are always home to me”. The EP ends on an unforgettable high note, leaving us with a big dose of the warm and fuzzies.
“Nothing But Wild” is a strong yet tender debut from Amy Sheppard that still allows for room to grow into one of Australia’s country greats. It is obvious that this genre suits Amy better than a beer suits a good time. Each of the six track stand out with their own unique sound, but the project remains tight and cohesive. Every song deserves to be there, and is more than worth a listen or three. Don’t forget to grab your tickets to one of her live shows, and give yourself the time to take in this jaw-dropping EP on September 16. Keep your eyes on this one folks, because we definitely haven’t heard the last of Amy Sheppard.
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AMY SHEPPARD
BLUE GUITAR
Launch Shows
FRI 12 AUG
EKKA, BRISBANE QLD
ALL AGES
Tickets
SAT 10 SEPT
COUNTRY MUSIC RACEDAY, DOOMBEN RACECOURSE, BRISBANE QLD
18+
Tickets
FRI 16 SEPT
NOTHING BUT WILD EP LAUNCH, LEFTY’S OLD TIME MUSIC HALL, BRISBANE QLD
18+
Tickets
THUR 23 SEPT
CMC ROCKS QLD 2022, IPSWICH QLD
ALL AGES
SOLD OUT
SAT 1 OCT
SAVANNAH IN THE ROUND, MAREEBA QLD
ALL AGES
Tickets
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Follow AMY SHEPPARD
YouTube – Instagram – Facebook – Spotify
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Photo credit: Georgia Wallace
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Press Release 5th August 2022 (below) HERE
AMY SHEPPARD
shares new single + video
‘BLUE GUITAR’
+ Announces Debut EP
‘NOTHING BUT WILD’
set for release
September 16
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