Nothing But Wild by Amy Sheppard EP Review

Nothing But Wild by Amy Sheppard EP Review

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Posted 2022-08-28 by Steven Gfollow
Nothing But Wild by Amy Sheppard – EP Review

For a while in 2014, into 2015, there was a song by an Australian act that felt inescapable – 'Geronimo' by Sheppard. Great song, catchy as all out, and one that will still get people singing along to the chorus now, eight years later. Sheppard is based around the Sheppard siblings, George, Amy and (from 2011) Emma. Truth be told, though, I prefer the 2017 song 'Coming Home', which is saying something because 'Geronimo' is awesome.

Anyway, this year Amy Sheppard has decided to release her first solo EP – Nothing But Wild (2022).


Unlike the music of Sheppard the band, which is indie pop-rock, this EP is a modern country-pop album. It is due for release on September 16, 2022, and I was lucky enough to be given a sneak preview/listen.Before I go on, I should mention that Amy is also advocating for a new documentary called Embrace Kids. Due for cinema release on September 1, 2022, and from Taryn Brumfitt and the same team that made the 2016 documentary Embrace (itself a cause of some controversy regarding its rating), it is about bullying, gender identity, body image and associated advocacy amongst school-aged kids, and is aimed for that 8-12 year age group. While the album is separate from the film, I think it is worth mentioning here, as Amy seems very passionate about it.So, the EP. So far, two singles have been released from it and, as is usual, I will be looking at each track. This is an EP, so it is only 6 tracks long. I have to say, some of the better albums recently have been released as EPs, which really means what you get is generally the best of the artist.This EP keeps that perception well and truly intact. It is a really strong work.So… Nothing But Wild!'Nothing But Wild' This was the first single, released back in May, and has more of the pop sheen than I had been expecting. I heard it back when it was released and the reason I remember it was that Amy's voice is much better than most of those I was hearing in new music at the time. This is the poppiest sounding song in the collection. So, this is an interesting opener.

'Blue Guitar' This is the second single, released at the end of August, and this has the country sound I was expecting. I have only been discovering the wider realm of country music in the past 8 years and that released by Australian musicians has been amongst the best I have heard. This sits well amongst them. I was trying to work out who this reminded me of, and decided I could not put my finger on it – Amy sounds unique. This is such a great song, my favourite track on the EP.


'Sometimes You Learn' This song is a little harder while maintaining that country edge, and, again, this is a great track. Amy's voice really suits the country sound she is going for, and she has surrounded herself with some fine musicians as well. But this song is a good follow-on from the previous one.'Couple Goals' This is a poppier-feeling song while staying with the country feel, some nice guitar work helping things along. I like the lyrics here, setting out the "couple goals" of the title without sounding like it's a demand. Amy's voice gets lost in the mix a little at times on this one, but it is still a fine track.'Flavour' This song has a sound that harkens back to the female country singers of the late 1990s and early 2000s, and I mean that in a good way, because that is some of the country music I have really been getting into. And the lyrics are, again, really interesting. Now, while I said it harkens back to the sound, again I could not say that there is any one artist this reminds me of – Amy remains unique.'Home To Me' And we finish with a song that has an interesting metaphor at its core: "I've been everywhere and in between/ But you are always home to me." The loved one makes the home, not a physical building or a concept – I really like that. This is a declaration of love that is strong. If Amy is going to release a third single, I would hope it would be this one, because this is a song that deserves to be heard. Great way to finish out the EP.

And there we are, 6 tracks, no waiting, not a dud. Amy Sheppard makes a great country singer, and yet at the same time I hope she does not stop the pop-rock. One of those artists who, it seems, is going to be able to do any style she chooses and be successful at all of them.Like I said, Nothing But Wild will be available from September 16, 2022 (and, yes, I have pre-ordered my copy). You can get your vinyl or CD copy by going to
amysheppardofficial.com or, for the digital version amysheppard.lnk.to/NothingButWild-EP . I really do recommend this album, and am looking forward to whatever comes next.Amy is performing a series of shows across Queensland to celebrate the release of this EP, and tickets are available from her website . I hope she eventually makes her way to my neck of the woods; I wouldn't mind catching her in this genre.
AMY SHEPPARD BLUE GUITAR LAUNCH SHOWSFSAT 10 SEPT | COUNTRY MUSIC RACEDAY, DOOMBEN RACECOURSE, BRISBANE QLD | Tickets available from www.brc.com.auFRI 16 SEPT | NOTHING BUT WILD EP LAUNCH, LEFTY'S OLD TIME MUSIC HALL, BRISBANE QLD | Tickets available from www.amysheppardofficial.comTHUR 23 SEPT | CMC ROCKS QLD 2022, IPSWICH QLD | ALL AGES SAT 1 OCT | SAVANNAH IN THE ROUND, MAREEBA QLD | ALL AGES Tickets available from www.savannahintheround.com.au

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83284 - 2023-06-11 06:40:11

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