27 Dec 2024
UsernamePassword

Remember Me? | Join | Recover
Click here to sign in via social networking

Estère - Estere Album Review

10 May 2014 // A review by Dilemma

Released as a free download via Bandcamp the debut EP from Wellington singer/songwriter/beatmaker/producer Estere is definitely unique in the NZ music scene.

Self-described as “just a girl with an MPC” Estere works her equipment and the product is individualistic, raw and worthy of a listen this NZ Music Month. Using a series of loops of live instruments, all played and recorded by Estere in her bedroom, as well as Logic Audio software on her laptop, Estere and her MPC named Lola are making what she calls "electric blue witch hop.”

The opener, Reptilian Journey has undertones of early basic Erykah Badu whom Estere's sound is often compared to. That precedes the track I Spy in which we hear Estere’s speaking voice mixed with some raspy soul vocals which adds layers to the Seven track EP. Right to the last track Pity, Estere's vocals are stunning, the tracks are smooth and interesting and if you are looking for some new, good and different then check out Estere this NZ Music Month!

 

About Estère

Estere doesn’t play music - she creates sonic amalgamations that merge culture, language and legend. She breathes life into narratives that marry the acutely human to the achingly mythic. Her vocals soar and then swoon, beckoning sultrily and opening gates to new interpretations of age-old tales. Estere plays 'electric blue witch-hop', as she calls her dimensions of electronic, folk and R&B. The New Zealand Herald calls it "a beautiful mix of everything the music world is lauding and lusting after right now."

She began her journey as a bedroom producer with an MPC called Lola. Her first album, Estere, released in 2015 via Paris-based record label Prospect, earned her accolades from prominent media outlets such as Elle Magazine (FR) and Portals. In 2018, Estere’s second album My Design, On Others' Lives was championed by Radio NZ as "an exceptional record." Afropunk called it "an immersive experience unlike anything you’ve ever witnessed."

Estere has brought her unique live show - she plays guitar, keyboards, drums - to Europe, Africa and Asia, including slots opening for Grace Jones and Erykah Badu. Estere’s on stage talent and energy has earned her invitations to international festivals including Glastonbury (UK), Afropunk Paris (FR), and Bushfire Festival (Swaziland). She has also headlined sold-out shows in the UK, France and New Zealand.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Estère

Releases

Makara Peak
Year: 2022
Type: EP
Archetypes
Year: 2021
Type: Album
My Design, On Other's Lives
Year: 2018
Type: Album
My Design, Part 1
Year: 2017
Type: Album
New Species
Year: 2015
Type: EP
Estère
Year: 2014
Type: Album

Other Reviews By Dilemma

Janine and the Mixtape - EP Review: XX
22 Jun 2015 // by Dilemma
2013 was a big year, Lorde released her first EP but she wasn’t our only Singer/Songwriter that got international acclaim that year, there was also Janine Foster otherwise known as Janine and The Mixtape. Described as an electrifying performer that has developed her own unique combination of pop, indie, R&B, and hip hop.
Read More...
Tali - Album Review: Wolves
28 May 2015 // by Dilemma
Tali AKA Natalia Sheppard is pretty impressive, she paired up with Roni Size to release Lyric on my Lip which smashed the charts in 2002, became the first female MC to release an album in 2004 over 10 years ago. She has won the Best Female DNB MC award a few times (3) and has just released her new album Wolves, which she describes as “electronic soul and gangsta jazz"!
Read More...
Khemikal - Justice EP Review
06 Nov 2014 // by Dilemma
Silos feat. Nel Amore have released their debut EP Justice, 5 tracks with thumping base lines, some repetitive hooks and a brit-chick that raps and sings.
Read More...
Emily Edrosa EP Review
05 Nov 2014 // by Dilemma
Emily Edrosa is Emily Littler, member of Street Chant – an Auckland trio that has played since 2007 and won the inaugural Critics Choice at the 2010 NZ Music Awards. Emily however, has been putting out some new solo stuff as Emily Edrosa, which is the second effort after Body/Christ released in 2013.
Read More...
PNC - The Codes Album Review
24 Jul 2014 // by Dilemma
PNC AKA Sam Hansen released his fifth album less than a month ago and it’s already smashing sales and tearing up the NZ charts. The album titled The Codes is our newest urban success and it seems that PNC has found his stride with his latest offering.
Read More...
Jayson Norris - Save My Soul EP Review
16 May 2014 // by Dilemma
New from Jayson Norris is the Save My Soul EP as part of NZ Music Month. If you are a fan of Kora style rock or Tiki Taane melodies then you will love this five-song EP, cleverly incorporating roots and the groove of mainstream guitar rock’n’soul to blur genres.
Read More...
Ill Semantics - You Got It Feat. Scribe and K.One Single Review
09 May 2014 // by Dilemma
The Ill Semantic’s are back for 2014 and while it's been over 20 years since they formed they still have the ability to make really good, current hip hop music. Ill Semantics are getting ready to drop their third album and have delivered the first single titled You Got It feat.
Read More...
J Williams - Broken Love Single Review
09 May 2014 // by Dilemma
Part of New Zealand Music Month is showcasing NZ music and J. Williams is back with another R&B power ballad, Broken Love is the name of his latest release which was co-written with sister Lavina and then mixed and mastered by NOX and Patriarch for their Illegal Muzik label.
Read More...
View All Articles By Dilemma

NZ Top 10 Singles

  • APT.
    ROSÉ And Bruno Mars
  • DIE WITH A SMILE
    Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars
  • BIRDS OF A FEATHER
    Billie Eilish
  • TASTE
    Sabrina Carpenter
  • I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
    Gracie Abrams
  • ESPRESSO
    Sabrina Carpenter
  • SAILOR SONG
    Gigi Perez
  • LOSE CONTROL
    Teddy Swims
  • A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
    Shaboozey
  • GOOD LUCK, BABE!
    Chappell Roan
View the Full NZ Top 40...
muzic.net.nz Logo
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report a ProblemReport A Problem