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DAMI IM
‘My Reality’
(Album Review)

10th November 2021

Review by Paul Kapeleris

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From winning The X factor back in 2013 to selling out shows and signing with ABC Music last year, Dami Im has shown the world that her voice deserves to be heard. She powered her way into the hearts of every Australian with her show-stopping vocals and warm personality, and has continued to develop her artistry ever since. “My Reality” is Dami’s fifth studio album, and it dropped on the 29th of October via ABC Music. She has been waiting her whole career to manifest her passions in a project like this. Dami has either written or co-written every track on this record, and has collaborated with One Above, Andy Mak, and Konstantin Kersting, who have worked with Hilltop Hoods, Vera Blue, and Tones And I respectively.

The record opens with “Pray”, a song that attempts to bring everyone together in a time where we are all so divided. Dami’s trademark piano demands attention, playing dark and stormy chords with a nice fade effect to create a sense of unease. “Peel away the layers and the uniform, take away the pride and all the ego”. Prioritising love and care is becoming increasingly rare in a world still reeling from the pandemic, and sometimes we have to take a step back and just breathe for a moment. There are lots of interesting production elements, reverb and echoes, distorted vocals and other sound effects to represent distant traffic and loneliness. The song constantly builds, culminating in an intense bridge that will definitely give you goosebumps. If you don’t believe me, you’ll just have to check it out for yourself.

“Scared to Talk to You” manages to be simultaneously deeply personal and painfully relatable through its vivid storytelling and exploration of old friendships and moving on. “We could cut the wounds open, we can’t fix what ain’t broken, maybe I should, but I’m scared to talk to you”. In the end, we’re left with the restless thoughts of what could have been. Dami’s vocals shine with a great melody throughout, but the final chorus doesn’t quite capitalise on the track’s steady build. The flavourful progressions throughout the song provide an enjoyable listening experience, with great use of sound and silence to create a sense of disconnection. This song is Dami pop, a combination of modern popular music elements infused with her own unique flair to set it apart. It’s a vibe and a half, unafraid of exploring what we desperately want to leave alone.

There are those people who expect the world to arrange itself around them, and you’re left to deal with it. That’s where “Lonely Cactus” comes in. This certified bop was produced by One Above, and delivers a generous serving of sass that everyone can get behind. Dami’s performance is fun and full of personality, and the boundless energy present is infectious. This track hits like a tropical getaway, sweet and refreshing, and causes a dangerous amount of spontaneous singing. Listen at your own risk.

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“Marching On”, produced by Andy Mak, is a powerful, highly emotive tribute to Dami’s mother. Anyone who has lost someone close to them can relate to this raw and passionate display of resilience and love. A key theme of this record is reflection, and Dami uses this track to look back over her life and figure out how truly amazing and strong her mother was. The melody aches with a heart bleeding from loss, and Dami’s powerful vocals guarantee chills from anyone who hear her. This song is worth a listen based on its emotional vulnerability alone.

“Memories” marks a real turning point for the record. Most of the songs that remain have a decidedly speculative and reflective tone, exploring topics and issues that relate to Dami’s life and experiences. The instrumentation is sparse, a subtle combination of piano and pads that allow the story to shine. We are greeted with a refreshingly unique progression, showing off Dami’s skills with intricate voicings. Opening with a few notes from an ancient piano, Dami wrestles with moving on from the family home and entering a new chapter, but not wanting to let go of all the experiences that made her time there special. “We can only take so much as we close this door behind”. This is a real somber note on the record, and comes across so genuine and pure with details that any family can connect with.

There are times when the world gets so dark that you’ve forgotten what the light looks like. “Crying Underwater” is a stunning display of vulnerability and class where Dami is reaching out for someone to help her feel less alone. This track is orchestrated beautifully, with heavenly strings and piercing suspensions that are a pleasure to hear. The beat builds steadily into the chorus, and regular fades perfectly simulate a rushing tide. Dami delivers one of her best vocal performances on the record, with powerful high belts and rich, earthy lows that are supported by an understated track. When the voices in your head leave you feeling helpless and stranded, let this song be your salvation.

“Paper Dragon” was produced by Konstantin Kersting, and is a real stand-out on the record. Empowering, clever, and catchy as hell, there is always a time and place to enjoy this masterpiece about self-love. The ticking clock beat in the intro counts down to the unforgettable chorus, where Dami’s strength and resolve are on full display. This song is tight, with every second contributing to the greater musical journey. Though it may appear to be a fun pop song at first glance, looking deeper reveals powerful lyrical metaphors and a meticulously arranged track. Words can cut us deep and hurt more than any physical blow, but embracing the dragon within can help us rise above any hardship.

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The heavy focus on Dami’s primary instrument shifts in “Alone” with the introduction of an acoustic guitar. Possibly the most lyrically interesting song on the record, Dami reflects on what she’s learned during her life as a whole, and attempts to figure out what she really wants. “My world becomes smaller the older I get” is a heartbreaking line, conjuring vivid images of opportunities slipping away over the years until you are left only with the path you are already on. Her vocals are uncharacteristically soft in this song, creating a dynamic performance and showcasing Dami’s versatility as a singer. “Alone” maturely explores an array of complex topics and sounds fantastic while doing it.

The last two songs on the album encapsulate Dami’s artistic range in both of its glorious extremes. “Kiss You Anyway” is a self-destructive implosion, doing what you know is wrong because you can’t do anything else, even if it hurts, even if it breaks you. “Cause loving you cuts me deep, but my heart would rather bleed in your arms than to heal without you”.

“Fire” is a bop with a casual, laid-back vibe. It’s fun, catchy, and ends the record on an uplifting note, which feels even more impactful after all the doom and gloom. The inclusion of gospel elements give this track a personality of its own, and Dami’s riffs are on-point. Everyone has to face hard times, and this song is a great example of growing from these struggles. Even though bad things happen in our lives, even though we can feel sad, heartbroken, or lost, there is always that fire in us, always something to burn for.

This album was two years in the making, and it is well worth the wait. Dami sounds absolutely breathtaking with a stage-shattering presence, which comes as no surprise. Through each song, we learn something new about this incredible artist, and it feels as though we truly know her by the end. Its authenticity and lyrical candour is inspirational, with an ingenuity on the keys to be envied. In her own words: “This album is about owning who I am. You shouldn’t shy away from the things people like about you. With this album I’m just trying to be authentic in the way I know it, that’s my reality”.

““My Reality” is available everywhere, and it is a delight to experience from start to finish.”

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MY REALITY out now via ABC Music.

MY REALITY 
Tracklist:

1. Pray
2. Scared To Talk To You
3. Lonely Cactus
4. Marching On
5. Memories
6. Crying Under Water
7. Paper Dragon
8. Alone
9. Kiss You Anyway
10. Fire

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Download / stream single ‘Pray’ HERE

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Follow DAMI IM
Website – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram

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Press Release 29th October 2021 (below) HERE

DAMI IM
releases uplifting new album
MY REALITY

DOWNLOAD/STREAM/BUY HERE

Watch video for
gospel inspired single
PRAY – HERE 

ONLINE ALBUM LAUNCH THIS SUNDAY NIGHT
FROM 7PM AEDT, SEE HERE FOR MORE

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AMNPLIFY – DB