3

For her third album, Papua New Guinea-born, Australia-based singer Ngaiire (pronounced Ny-rie) digs deep into personal stories from her unusual life, bravely addressing issues of trauma, self-empowerment, intimacy, motherhood and letting go of other people’s expectations.

Her first release since 2016’s intriguing Blastoma, Ngaiire’s new songs address several memories from her early life in PNG, with the track ‘Closer’ being a self-confessed ‘sweaty 80s summer love song’ about young dating and sexual experiences while growing up in post-colonial Papua New Guinea. ‘Shiver’ refers to her aine (grandmother) and the continuing influence of her ancestors, while elsewhere there’s the emotionally revealing track ‘Him’ about becoming a young mother, and even a touch of gospel on the brief interlude ‘Akura’.

Featuring her own unique voice, and both written and produced by Ngaiire and collaborator Jack Britten (aka Jack Grace), 3 is an atmospheric and sonically lush release, which despite her recurring self-doubts, is actually a very assured and mature album. Those looking for more overt PNG musical influences may be a bit disappointed, but those seeking contemporary electronically-enhanced neo-soul, and an intelligent pop experience will find more than enough on Ngaiire’s introspective 3 to satisfy their search.