Playing with words, Primary is the title track from New Zealand’s Emily C. Browning‘s upcoming debut album, and it’s got her music on our radar.

By Graeme Smith

Musically, Primary feels like the spiritual successor to Gary Numen’s Cars, and also channels the anarchic pop rock energy of Paramore and St. Vincent. It’s all covered in a unique sheen which only Browning can provide, approaching the track with plenty of passion and attitude in her vocals. As it progresses, things get more out there, ending with overlapping vocals and a synth riff that never quits.

Lyrically, Browning treats the track as a word association game, applying it to colours, candidates, primal instincts, and more. As well as writing and recording the track herself, she also produced it. “I used the pandemic to learn how to produce for myself, and Primary is a very honest record of that process.”

You can buy a copy Browning’s debut album here and stream it here.

The single Primary is out now and you can give it a listen below.