Bittersweet. That is the one word that sums up New Zealand artist Mousey’s second album, My Friends, perfectly. With raw emotions and true musical sincerity, it is clear from the get-go (My Friends) that Mousey (Serena Close) will not be withholding anything on this album. “While my last album was about ‘being let down and being a let-down’, this album is about ‘being let down but being loved,” - a beautiful emotional transition that is oozing from every corner of this album.
After the delicate opening, Mousey flips the script on us and shows us her true versatility with the upbeat indie-rock track One Dollar Wednesday. Just when we thought we knew where we were going with this album we are presented with the unbelievably catchy The Bench with its slightly rougher corners and tiny shoegaze nod. The surprises don’t stop there, we have a bit of country on Wait For Me and a delicate solo ballad on Rachel, with Mousey’s tender voice slowly tugging at your heartstrings, reminiscent of fellow New Zealander Aldous Harding.
The absolute kicker on this album, which is a journey through the inner tenderness of a true creative, is My Hands Are Made of Glass. Unexpected and fragile, with a slight edge to it, the music perfectly reflects the title. “This song is me at my lowest” said Mousey, “I love people so much but sometimes I hurt them and it makes me want to lock myself away so I can’t hurt anyone anymore.”
Between Mousey’s incredible songwriting, heart warming honesty and supreme versatility it is hard not to find something to like about this album. With My Friends, Serena Close has cemented her position as one of the best up and coming artists from the South Pacific. Although she may not be a household name right now, we hope this changes in the very near future. © Jessica Porter-Langson / Qobuz