Josaleigh Pollett’s ‘Radio Player’ is a rather special recording. Its opening sounds throw the listener into a world of dark synthwave, suggesting something rich in atmosphere. It then takes a somewhat dramatic twist when Josaleigh adds a vocal that, at first, suggests they have a love of classic dream pop, before an increase in volume allows their voice to reach for something much bigger. Hitting a couple of soaring, notes, this presents a talent with a huge, natural sound, drawing the listener further into a world where Pollett’s love of almost cinematic sounds comes into its own.

It’s then all change again, when a selection of programmed beats add a hard rhythm, calling back to the late 80s and a time of sharp sounding analogue synths. This contrasts brilliantly with a very human tone, but also adds a feeling of directness beneath a lyric exploring a world where the protagonist falls asleep in the glow of a TV signal, almost as if placing themselves the world of the classic ‘Poltergeist’. Things don’t settle there: a middle eight sees the mechanical edge subside in favour of acoustic guitar lines, bringing a touch of alt-folk to an already exclectic backdrop, before returning to the electronica themes to allow a build up to a huge climax. Here, Josaleigh can be heard in full cry, making the lyrical melody act as a massive hook. Her tone may be very different, but there’s something in the way that the angst-ridden melody rises that shares a hint of Paula Cole, and specifically some of her more personal outpourings on her best-selling ‘This Fire’ album.

For those who’ve been following Josaleigh’s musical progress, or may already be familiar with their ‘No Woman Is The Sea’ album from the lockdown era, this could be a surprise, since it isn’t quite as melodic as some of that album’s best cuts. It does, however, present an artist who is continually pushing forward, and the ever-shifting musical elements reward the listener with each successive spin.

Take a listen below.new