- Am I tripping out or is Hope D’s debut album Clash Of The Substance not only a collection of coming of age bangers which, according to her press release, is “influenced by hormones, hangovers and heartbreak” but it's also fun to listen to. Filled with big vocals and rowdy guitar riffs this new release from the Brisbane/Meanjin artist will be on playlists and dance floors everywhere in the months to come.

The full length album is a collection of fifteen tracks that deploys a mixture of sounds, landing somewhere in the middle of where pop meets punk and borders on grunge. It’s sweet and tart and deliciously raw and Hope serves it up loudly in her signature sung-spoken style.

Delayed a little from last year, the album comes out swinging with the 2022 single Emerald which is followed by other hits such as Hate Goodbyes and Happy Hangover; Hope’s fun collab with G Flip. The middle of the album ventures into the dark corners of being young with tracks about greening out and vaping which leads into her current single Senseless, a tempestuous song that touches on the need to feel numb while tackling with the addictions of young love. The final three tracks are softer than the rest, rounding out the album with Safety Net, which is nice, but it lacks that final punch of energy you would expect after such a riotous beginning.

Doormat is the fourteenth track from the album and at just over four minutes in length it feels like a gentle blend of Olivia Rodrigo’s Driver’s License and Good 4 U. The self-awareness and painful honesty from Hope demonstrates a vulnerability with lyrics such as “But a breakup / This really is a breakup / Because I feel so broken and unclean,” however the inclusion of these softer songs further expands on the versatility of Hope’s musical talent without losing that big personality which shines through in her music.

The lyrics can get a bit salty, but, I mean, what were you expecting? Anyway, with her big sound and funky vibe it’s a cracking album. With this level of energy from a studio album, her live shows would be dynamic, and it just so happens there are upcoming dates. So if you love this one, be sure to check out venues close by and get amongst it.

- Andrea Peirce.