Album Review: Montgomery – New Clear War (2014 EP)

It seems like the I OH YOU family are adopting all the right people these days, and Montgomery is no exception. Coolly sitting at the other end of the scale to the likes of Violent Soho, Montgomery’s debut EP brings some tender stylings to the label and lives up to the hype in such an unassuming way. Boasting six subtle but lush tracks that were co-produced with Tom Scary (aka Tom Iansek of Big Scary), New Clear War is the soundtrack to the coming summer nights.

That synth slow pop, combined with Montgomery’s clear voice rising through a minimal baseline, and that drum and sample loop bringing you into each chorus hook you in seconds. The first two tracks play heavily to that 80’s-esque sound with “Dust” and “Not Around” and while there’s nothing new to synth, Montgomery does it in such an understated manner that it stands out. Everything about this EP is a gentle tap on your shoulder, a coy smile, and yet the impact is immediate and haunting. It’s the way the uplifting chorus plays against those dreamy vocals, all the while holding the darker layer of Montgomery’s melancholy lyricism.

Every tune on New Clear War compliments the next so perfectly, those soft melodies blending together to form a twenty minute reverie without being a repetitive series of tones. If you’re as crazy about “Piñata” as I am, then this EP is an obvious addition to your ‘most played’ list. But my top track has to be “Jailbreak”; it’s that first taste as Montgomery brings a whole new element to the EP. It ups the game with the electronic snare backing, elusive piano low notes trailing through the song, and I’m a sucker for clap samples. The chorus is gorgeous and catchy, something about that sense of rebellion as fading vocal harmonies layer over an addicting hook ‘But something’s happening, it’s my reckoning’. It picks up the pace of the EP and is the perfect lead in to “Piñata” and the second half of New Clear War.

Everything culminates in “War Cry”, the ultimate flourish of upbeat synth beats hiding an almost positive outlook to bring you safely back to the world with ‘I don’t want anymore to regret, so now I’m trying to forget it’ and ‘This will be the war cry that I’m singing out’. It’s an EP that circles around difficult relationships and trying to find the way through, and the song titles are well suited giving you a glimpse of this battle.

If you’re a fan of Broods or wish Daughter had more laid back electronica involved, then I’d recommend New Clear War, and if not, I’d recommend it anyway. Montgomery has a highly developed sound for a young artist releasing their debut, and it’s no wonder she’s had such a warm reception. As is the way with EPs. this one was over too soon, so I’ll be here waiting patiently for what Montgomery will bring next.

Review Score: 8.1 out of 10.

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NEW CLEAR WAR EP – OUT TODAY THROUGH I OH YOU.

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