‘Timeline’ captures an emotional story of a young heart worn on a sleeve. Marianne Leigh’s five-track EP delivers a charmed balance of intimacy and rhythmic diversity. The title draws from the lyrics of Look At Me – a perfect first track to tune into the senses and leave a listener wanting more. This is a catchy yet cruisey start, free of any obstruction from backing vocals.

A year in the making, the singer/songwriter wrote the songs alone – each telling a different personal story. The tracks were co-produced with her friend Nathaniel Selway and John McDermott of Arch Hill Studios in Auckland. The result is a clear, crisp and natural sound evoking a ‘same room’ listen. Emotive melodies and vocal purity hold their own across minimal production and instrumentation.

Leigh’s not afraid to brave vulnerability – both lyrically and in delivery. Her tonal qualities engage the listener into a journey of being both spoken and sung to at the same time. Say You Love Me drops into soft electric keys and echoes, where a resemblance of Jamie McDell’s vocal tone and style soon become apparent. The EP draws to a close with a quirky and inquisitive ukulele strum, where the singer/songwriter explores her own flaws and questions intentions.

Authenticity beams through Marianne Leigh’s connection, vast musical space and raw artistry. A significant debut accomplishment for this young song bird, who lays out a bold and honest timeline of events. Definitely one to listen out for – to be continued!