Thrashing Into Thrush Metal From Stella Donnelly
Noodles, razor sharp lyrics and an incredibly diverse sound for a solo artist; we dig into the debut EP from Perth's very own Stella Donnelly.
The first time I heard Stella Donnelly was like waking up to a slap in the face. Simple chords strummed out with a drawcard repetition and unguarded vocals punched full of imagery, Mechanical Bull, really hooks you. It's 2.41 of pure songwriting and vitriol as the song flips from "sweet sugar muffin" to "fucking arsehole" within moments, from calm and controlled to flushed with pain and raw just as fast. It's a beautifully written piece that pulls no punches and serves as the perfect introduction to the powerhouse that is Perth's Stella Donnelly.
The guitarist for equally excellent bands Boat Show and Bells Rapids, with a schedule chocked full of recording, touring and hunting down Australia's best ramen, Donnelly has managed to record one of the years most surprising and powerful releases in Thrush Metal. The 5-track debut EP is as honest as it is brilliantly executed.
Firing from the start Thrush Metal opens with the brilliant Mechanical Bull, before amping the emotional gutting up with Boys Will Be Boys. A song running head first at sexual assault, rape culture and the many excuses deeply buried in masculinity; it's a harrowing heartfelt listen and a direly important narrative.
Throughout the release Donnelly bares an honesty that hits like a sledgehammer nestled in a musical sensibility that draws you in and pulls you through every song. Vocals are flexed during Mean To Me, strings are plucked to pieces in Grey and by the time the last chord is awkwardly strummed in A Poem you're left with the genuine feeling of knowing someone you've never met, just that bit better.
Thrush Metal is a remarkable release steeped in lyrical complexities and beautiful simplicity that leaves a mark.
Buy it on cassette from: https://healthytapes.bandcamp.com/album/thrush-metal
And follow Stella Donnelly here: https://www.facebook.com/stellamusicband/
