Single Review: Cards

Originally hailing from the States, proud new Kiwi Jennifer K. Austin now sets out on a fresh path with her exciting single Cards. It’s a nostalgic Americana folk-rock track introducing her upcoming EP of the same name, which is fully produced by Chris McCollum at iconic studio The Lab.

Cards lyrically revolves around the romantic, simple idea of existing as a matching set. The melodies soar throughout, perfectly tailored to Austin’s strong voice and lilted timbre. Careful instrumental hooks bubble under the production, keeping you hooked without even noticing why. That focus on more than must the lead vocal allows the song plenty of room to breathe, emphasising bright acoustic guitars and relaxed drums. Undoubtedly, the song’s highlight is its slick, expansive electric guitar solo, which lifts the instrumental higher right before it drops off into a softer, more fragile rendition of the chorus. The only real criticism for the track is that Austin’s vocals are so beautiful, they could do with some more layering or perhaps harmonising amidst the verses, to better highlight her expressivity and clarify the words.

Bringing an authentic Americana flair to Aotearoa’s music scene, Cards is a booming introduction to Jennifer K. Austin, who’s certain to be a rising name on our shores.