Album Review: Montaigne - Glorious Heights

Montaigne appears to have struck gold with her debut full-length release, Glorious Heights — she definitely wasn't afraid to go all-out.

Collaborating with Tony Buchen (of Andy Bull and The Preatures fame), the Sydneysider managed to create 13 earworms stamped with her signature quirky style.

The album is noticeably more poppy than previous efforts, with catchy hooks and a danceability that will prove very palatable to a more mainstream audience; think synth-heavy tracks and a delightfully '80s feel that would make Bowie proud. But fans of the singer's early tunes need not worry, as Montaigne's sublime voice manages to cut through all of the glitz and glamour of a full-scale production. The singer proved to be a supreme powerhouse with tender ballad Consolation Prize, singing with a sincerity that’s bound to move even the toughest audience.

She's also making moves to prove that she's not one to compromise her originality. The use of instruments throughout each track creates a warmth that is almost completely unheard of in modern pop music. What's more impressive is the fact that she's not afraid to get dark with her sound, rejecting the notion that pop music needs to be inoffensive, mindless drivel.

The best thing about this album is that it's bound to make you feel something. It's raw, emotive and infectious all at once — you'll be grooving one minute and bawling the next. It's an uplifting experience unlike any other. And if Montaigne was able to capture this much energy and soul in one album, one can only imagine what her tour will be like.