Album Review: The Money War – I Don’t Hear You Anymore EP

Delivering on the promise of their past accomplishments and reputation for beautifully crafted songs, Western Australian duo, The Money War, brings us their latest EP, ‘I Don’t Hear You Anymore’. Released on June 23, this collection is an exquisite fusion of pop purity and indie rock grit, penned by the skillful hands of Dylan Ollivierre and Carmen Pepper. Rooted in the duo’s own intricate experiences, it serves as a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, change, and the urgent need for self-expression.

The Money War’s ability to produce music with unwavering sincerity is key to their widespread acclaim and more than 3 million streams on Spotify. This EP is no exception. Ollivierre and Pepper translate their daily struggles of raising three young children into authentic, relatable narratives that take shape in each song. Speaking about the tracks, Ollivierre says, “The songs are special to me because they remind me of moments in the last year where I felt desperate to express myself.”Kicking off the EP, the title track ‘I Don’t Hear You Anymore’ introduces listeners to the celestial, laid-back atmosphere that pervades the entire collection. Aided by finger-picked acoustic guitar and soothing melodies from both Ollivierre and Pepper, the song sets a simultaneously ominous yet hopeful tone, paving the way for the emotional journey to come.

The journey deepens with the collaboration with Melbourne’s FEELDs on ‘Was It Ever Really Anything?’. The track builds upon The Money War’s signature sound, weaving together dreamy indie-folk stylings, gritty blues guitar, enchanting harmonies, and an enthralling slide guitar solo into a tapestry of sound that culminates in a vivid, vocal-layered final chorus.’Ride’ shifts gears with a more minimalist approach that redefines the rules of modern folk-pop. Stripped-back guitar and vocals harmonize to create a lulling, easy-going atmosphere, embodying the liberating energy found in simplicity. Inspired by the beauty of living in the present moment, Ollivierre’s lead vocals, accompanied by Pepper’s harmonies, render ‘Ride’ a gentle tribute to life’s simple joys.

Closing out the EP, ‘Somebody Loves You’ uplifts the listener with a timeless melody that radiates sincerity from the first note. Showcasing The Money War’s exceptional songwriting prowess, this track captures the essence of their partnership and leaves listeners floating in its comforting affirmation of love.

Receiving accolades from esteemed publications such as Tone Deaf, Rolling Stone AU, Blunt Mag, NME, and The Music, and having graced stages at renowned festivals including FOTSUN, SXSW, and BIGSOUND, The Money War has secured their position as one of Australia’s finest musical acts. Their unique blend of dreamy compositions and captivating performances continues to resonate with a growing fan base.’I Don’t Hear You Anymore’ is a 4-track EP that reflects the strength of The Money War’s songwriting abilities and their talent for blending musical genres. Each track offers a different perspective and a unique sonic experience, firmly positioning The Money War as innovative creatives. As the duo continues to navigate their own life experiences and translate them into music, they invite us to find our words and expressions within their melodies. The Money War has once again succeeded in creating music that both resonates deeply and transcends the ordinary. Don’t miss the chance to embark on this emotional journey when ‘I Don’t Hear You Anymore’, out now.

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