EP Review: Flicker

Flicker is the first EP from Moemoeā, a folk pop duo hailing from Taranaki. Carefully curated with glorious melodies and warm, real instrumentation, the EP collects five singles recorded with Sam at Rhythm Ace together into one triumphant introduction to their work.

Switch Off makes its mark from the get-go. This song shows off sweeping vocal harmonies that clue the listener into the fact members Sherrie Flanagan and Chloe Danz met in their local amateur theatre group. Their connection with one another is inherent. There’s such charisma and personality to the performance, making simple lyrics feel heartfelt and meaningful, as the warm production focuses on crafting the feeling of a live show. And that show is running without a hitch.

Burn It Down is contrastingly eerie and dark, with shifting percussion that makes the listener feel unsettled, but never too disconnected from the hook. The rawness of the vocals on this track truly pulls attention. Even when some of the lyrics lean a little too heavily into cliche, Moemoeā’s commitment to translating their emotion sells it. In the following track Monsters, the filtered vocal effects feel somewhat on the nose, but they depict a sense of 90s nostalgia that makes the chorus hit extra hard. This song’s layered, wordless bridge is a notable musical highlight.

Rich acoustic guitars hold down the core of Regret, where the project’s most gorgeous vocals shine. Danz and Flanagan give the impression they are improvising every line together to perfect results, thanks to their natural partnership. It’s a slower number, but one with a powerful ambience, although it could perhaps use some more dynamic range. Regardless, it builds to a beautiful closer with Black Flicker. Compelling lyrical storytelling instantly draws your attention in from the opening lines. Again, the song’s greatest quality is its sincerity, positively shivering under the weight of the duo’s emotions.

Fans seeking a current answer to acts like Bic Runga will be pleased with Flicker. It’s an EP with a classic Kiwi sound and smart musical sensibilities, one that’s sure to age well as Moemoeā continue on their journey together. Clearly, it’s a journey worth following.