Chin Up Buttercup

5th LP from Toronto-based singer-songwriter, Katie Stelmanis, through her synth-pop project, Austra (pronounced OW – straw). A classically trained musician, Stelmanis studied piano, viola and voice growing up. “Chin Up Buttercup” resulted from a devastating breakup with a long-term partner a few years ago. Stelmanis — who has stated that she’s “so chaotic in love” — dealt with the various stages of heartache over the years, leading to this 10-song set with tracks that range from melodic Europop to hypnotic club dance floor anthems. Her lyrics explore contrasting emotions — sad and vulnerable, angry and over it, hopeful and forward-looking. RIYL: Fever Ray, CHVRCHES, Polica or Madonna (late 90s period).
— Francis

Recommended: 2, 5, 1, 7, 3, 9. FCC on Track 11.

1. (4:14) Amnesia — Cinematic and ethereal. Opens with a shimmering soundscape with an isolated piano and confident vocals. Then, transitions to a measured, danceable Europop groove. ****
2. (4:09) Math Equation (Clean Edit) — Outstanding clubby dance track. Pulsing bass, skipping beats and claps. Austra’s vocals levitate above the synth atmospherics. ****
3. (3:38) Siren Song — Emotive vocals soar skyward. Urgent, intricate percussion creates an intriguing foundation for the flowing, chime-y synths. Lyrics incorporate Greek mythology. ***
4. (1:49) Chin Up Buttercup — Brief interlude that starts with random, indistinguishable processed chatter. Halting pace. Synth pulses and flute-like notes are intermixed with spoken and sung vocals.
5. (4:37) Fallen Cloud — Another disco-influenced club standout. Jittery rhythm over a steady beat. Melodic and hopeful in the face of her heartbreak, with shimmery, reverbed vocals. ****
6. (3:35) Blindsided — Slower and hymn-like amidst spare electronics and effects. Wistful and introspective lyrics look back at the disintegration of a long-term relationship.
7. (3:31) Think Twice — Bouncy, fun and video game-flavored tune — with catchy synth arpeggios. The exclamations of “Oh whoops! Whoopsie!” capture Austra’s improving frame of mind as she healed. ***
8. (2:22) Look Me In The Eye — Another crystalline, sad ballad, with Austra’s hymn-like vocals swelling over simple piano notes, space-y synths and spare rhythm.
9. (6:07) The Hopefulness Of Dawn — Opens with an otherworldly soundscape, with Austra’s cavern-like vocals echoing throughout. At two minutes, backing vocals are layered in. Then, the song accelerates into a Madonna-era dance number. Long atmospheric trail-out. ***
10. (3:57) Good Riddance — A bloopy closer with choir-like vocals. Meant to be a final farewell to her former partner and acceptance of the breakup. Harmonies are added in the second verse.
11. (4:12) Math Equation (Explicit) — FCCs: fucked (twice) — Unedited version of track 2.