Though young, Ottilie Wallace draws on some classic British songwriting influences, including the Kinks, Damon Albarn, Jarvis Cocker, Noel Gallagher, Kate Bush, and, of course, The Beatles. They come to the fore in her self-produced debut album, Throughout the Day.

By Graeme Smith

Based in the UK, Ottilie is embarking on her music career at fourteen years old. It’s a remarkable fact when you hear the song-writing on her debut album, Throughout the Day. The album is a chronicle of modern teenage life touching on themes of alienation, despair, anger, longing, hope, and freedom.

The album’s early pace is set by the characterful and raw Waiting On July and the raucous and defiant Gaslighter. Toy provides a highlight thanks to its swaggering rock and roll and spoken word verses.

Across the album, Ottilie adopts a genre-hopping style. Survivor is wonderfully psychedelic (Syd Barrett would be impressed) while Asylum is slow, contemplative and classical. Icy is a cinematic moment that builds with electronic layers. Sugar High At Midnight canters along with fuzzy riffs and chanting vocals while Fantasy World waltzes lightly. Rose Gold Sun is bright and full of experimental folk before I Am Free closes the album in rousing and storytelling style with a gentle, epic final chapter.

I’ve been reluctant to use this phrase too early in the year, but it has to be said. Throughout The Day is an album of the year contender for me. Even ignoring the impressive fact that it’s written and performed by a fourteen-year-old, it’s still an original and exciting collection that channels the best of classic rock attitude.

Throughout The Day is out now and you can give it a listen below.