Album Review: Estère – Archetypes

Estère – Archetypes
(Blue Riot Records / Rough Peel Records)

Reviewed by Bridget Herlihy.

‘Archetypes’ is the Wellington based singer-songwriter’s eagerly anticipated third full-length album, and while she stays true to her electric blue witch hop aesthetic, each of her albums possesses its own distinct theme or vibe. Whereas her first two albums (which were predominantly recorded in her bedroom) were more beat-heavy, ‘Archetypes’ sees Estère extend her creativity and imagination even further. Coproduced with Stew Jackson (Massive Attack) between Wellington and Bristol, this album seamlessly drawing together numerous genres – including electronica, pop, folk, and R&B – and masterfully amalgamates them to produce a sound that remains distinctly Estère.

The inspiration for ‘Archetypes’ is heavily drawn from renowned Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung’s theory of archetypes; a concept claims that archetypes are representative if universal patterns and images that form part of the collective unconscious. (For those not familiar with Jungian psychology, this theory maintains that archetypes represent universal patterns and images that are part of the collective unconscious. Jung believed that we derive these archetypes the same way that we derive distinctive patterns of behaviour). After reading a number of books – and taking an abundance of notes – about the aforementioned concept, perhaps unsurprisingly resulted in dreams that featured vivid imagery; dreams that included creatures and the responsibilities of guardianship, and at times darker subject matter that included violence. The result of the juxtaposition of these different, yet intertwined themes, and the remarkable creative talent of Estère, is an album of eleven tracks that captivates from the very first note to the very last.

The album’s opening track sees Estère offer an alluring welcome the listener into the world of ‘Archetypes’, embodying a post-modern Siren of sorts as she sings “take my hand and we’ll go dancing, into the belly of Capricorn…”. ‘Second track ‘Pelican’ brings a shift in genre, as electronica gives way to an acoustic guitar, simple percussion and stripped back, yet stunning, vocals. The ballad-esque ‘Mad About Your Sea’ is undoubtedly one of the album’s highlights; as a sombre and melancholy Estère’s vocals – accompanied by a piano – take centre stage as she sings “ I wanted to try to try to make you feel better, but you don’t want to get dry”. ‘Archtypes’ is full of highlights, with each and every track shining in its own right, with an important story to tell in the bigger picture this concept album.

‘Archetypes’ is a triumph on many levels. Not only is this a body of work that clearly illustrates that Estère has musically reached new highs as a musician, songwriter and producer, but her enviable talent as a profound storyteller is also illuminated on each and every one of the tracks. This is an album that you will be more than happy to lose yourself in; each and every moment is pure auditory and sensual magic.

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