Colour by Number

Having grown up in Australia’s Northern Territory city of Darwin, singer-songwriter Leah Flanagan proudly claims a mixed multicultural heritage that includes Aboriginal (Alyawarre), as well as Italian and Irish bloodlines. Classically trained, Flanagan has been central to several major works presented at Australian arts festivals, and has become a valued participant in numerous indigenous music collaborations, including Buried Country, Black Arm Band, the Mission Songs Project and the Yothu Yindi Treaty project. She has also worked alongside many other Aboriginal and non-indigenous Aussie musicians.

Flanagan’s latest album continues her evolution as an important songwriter and performer. While her lyrics aren’t overtly based on indigenous topics, they are steeped in the shared deep experiences of the human condition, and the singles ‘Lov Like Water’, ‘Aralia’ and the poignantly confessional ‘Broken’, as well as the uplifting ‘Starlight’ all possess an intrinsic beauty. Producer Sarah Belkner’s string arrangements are occasionally over-lush, but Flanagan’s vocals retain a remarkable clarity throughout. Weaving her melodic narratives through stylings that are a little folky, often sweetly soulful and sometimes slightly jazzy, this is ultimately an album of intelligent and creative pop, by a still-rising star.