Woodes - “Forever After”

SXSW 2023 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 6

Pairs Well With…Maggie Rogers, CHVRCHES, Florence & the Machine

Australian artist Woodes has been focused on collaborations leaning into the electronic-pop side of her musical personality as of late, a space where Woodes’ sweet and sharp vocals tend to fit most naturally. There’s an airiness to Woodes’ natural melodies and while it is a great fit for building dance tracks, 2023 single “Forever After” gives a chance to reconfigure that approach into a pretty and moving indie pop track. It’s arguably an even better source for Woodes to mine, connecting her inherently hooky songwriting into a warmer and more comfortable space. With a pretty deep catalog at this point, expect either a mix of older material or a preview of what’s next at her SXSW showcase, performing for Penny Loafer PR at Augustine on Tuesday night. (Kevin McStravick)  

2017 Review: Hanging in electronic pop/R&B atmospheres, Woodes’ sound is based on airy, understated melodies, what could be full dance pop, but holds back in an effective, emotional way. See the post rock influences in “The Thaw” or bass-rumbling trip hop of “Daggers & Knives” for examples of how Woodes is able to reorganize these influences into downtempo gems. Her latest single “Bonfire” is perhaps her most experimental, but also her most rhythmic - handclaps and ambient voices dance in harmony, an exercise in minimal fusion pop.