Audri – Mechanic High (2022)
Living in a world of uncertainty and strife, hope is one of the most important things everyone needs – this is where singer-songwriter Audri comes in. Using her expressive music as a representation of joy, Audri helps people realise there is happiness in reality. Hailing from the US, Audri and her band have shared their intriguing sound with the masses since 2020 (or at least that is when her first release was, um, released). Featuring on Less Than 1000 Followers, YMX, We Write About It, Mystic Sons, York Calling and Sinusoidal Music, Audri is reaching audiences on an international scale. The latest addition to her well-received repertoire is Mechanic High.
Recorded with production engineers Chris Rahm, Austen Jux-Chandler and Rachel Field, Mechanic High is a well-textured three-track piece of heaven. Written by Audri, the EP has a personal element as she connects with people on a deeper lyrical and melodic level. Mechanic High is a harmonic combination of dynamic guitars, pounding drums and soothing piano interspersed throughout the arrangement. Interestingly enough, there is no lull in the joy of Mechanic High – each song has a jovial, buoyant and uplifting tone. It is as if Audri is navigating a bright, bold journey to ecstasy taking you along with her.
While all of the tracks have a light-hearted and bouncy feeling, the songs have differences aligning with the specific theme. ‘Euphoria’ is merely about having a day of adventure and enjoying a trip to an amusement park – happiness in simplicity. ‘Runaway Rabbit’ is about children heading off on a summer adventure perceived as a life-changing journey – happiness in self-growth. The first two tracks are frenzied and mad, but the ecstatic joy they bring is worth the craziness.
Alright, I know I said each song on Mechanic High has a jovial, buoyant, uplifting vibe; I was not entirely correct. While the final track ‘Pasture Lullaby’ has an uplifting vibe, it is shared through a tranquil piano-led ballad and is not as frenzied as ‘Euphoria’ or ‘Runaway Rabbit’. Highlighting her obscure vocals, Audri uses a minimalist approach to highlight the need for hanging onto joyful memories as “with time memories dwindle and it’s important to really embrace the experiences we are having…once the moment is over, it can’t be recreated.”
Fun, sincere, sentimental, honest and a bit of a crazy ride, listening to Mechanic High is like following the white rabbit down the rabbit hole in Alice In Wonderland. Ups and downs with significant themes, this EP is a force of nature. I cannot wait for more from this talented artist.
For more from Audri check out her official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
