Ruby Gill sounds like one of the greats of a far gone era. An artist whose voice and style transcends generations and populations. Similar to contemporaries like Laura Marling, Julia Jacklin or Angie McMahon, Gill has a calming and yet forceful delivery across all of her music. This is evident here on her second album Some Kind Of Control, a stunning and haunting dive into Gill’s attempts to regain agency over her body, foreign-ness and queerness.
As the follow up to the acclaimed 2022 debut I’m Gonna Die With This Frown On My Face, Gill’s sound follows much of the same paths she encompassed on her debut, with a dry delivery and at times overly wordy lyrics. Delving into a level of speak-sing, Some Kind Of Control shows all levels of control and mastery from an artist that has found a niche and fantastic way to create music.
Lead singles “Touch Me There” and the album titular “Some Kind of Control” are notable moments on the album, that touch on just about all of the other great elements of the release. “Touch Me There” is a song about gaining autonomy over one’s body and self, in a world where you don’t necessarily always have control over everything, whether that be economic, political, social or sexual. With the album touching on many of these similar themes and feelings, “Touch Me There” is a great choice as second single. Preceded by the first taste of the album, “Some Kind of Control” flows much in the same way as “Touch Me There”, with Gill longing to gain control over her life, body and soul. Overtly clever in its delivery, the harmonies of the backing choir round out the class of the single.
You can see Gill revels in a level of dry-wit and humour, with many of the singles, despite having serious content, having some of the best song titles you’ll hear. “How Chimpanzees Reassure Each Other” is a floating piano led three-minutes, with its chorus soaring above the more sobering verses, while “Room Full of Male Politicians” feeds into a very I Speak Because I Can era Laura Marling type of songwriting. Again, both tracks showcase the brilliance of Gill and her ability to tell the story of so many women in the country, especially in the lead up to a federal election that will be dominated by some pretty average men leading some lead pretty average political parties. “Room Full of Male Politicians” is a shout for recognition and puts forward the fears, frustration and frank feelings about how it is to be female in a world dominated by white men.
Heading into a more bluesy and toned down direction, “To What Do I Owe My Pleasure” and album opener “Under The Flying Foxes On The Last Night Of Summer” showcase again how accomplished Some Kind of Control is. Reflective in its style and lyrics, “Under The Flying Foxes On The Last Night Of Summer” feels like it will be the perfect song to close out a live set on Ruby’s upcoming tour, while “To What Do I Owe My Pleasure” feels like it could have been pulled from an early 2000’s Norah Jones album.
Album closer “Emmagen Creek” is a nice book end to “Under The Flying Foxes On The last Night of Summer”. Subtle and heartbreaking over its run, it is the perfect love song to round out an overwhelmingly complete album. While many artists struggle with their second albums, Ruby Gill has just about crushed every aspect of Some Kind Of Control. At a time where we consume so much new media every day, take the time to indulge in what Ruby Gill has put into this release. With a sound that spans generations, I wouldn’t be surprised if this album is one that is reflected on as one of the greats in years to come.
FIVE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Some Kind of Control is out Friday 28 March.
Ruby Gill heads out on an album launch tour in support of Some Kind of Control throughout April and May. For more information on the tour and to buy tickets, head here.
