Yorke balances doubt and assurance on Liberosis
In the midst of pop’s grandiose, there are few outliers who deliver the same punch with their delicate, understated aura. As few and far between as they come, 21-year-old Yorke breaks the mould of ostentatious pop with her debut EP Liberosis. The seven-track display moves from strength to strength in capturing the heart of inner-conflict, and navigating new territory in a physical and emotional sense.
Opener Promise sets the tone of the EP, displaying the singer’s ability to remain robust in her sensitivity as her soft hums are placed against sensationalised synth-pop production. In forming a collaborative partnership with Hauskey, the pensive ballad Thought I Could was born. Despite the crossroads of accomplishment and conflict that imbues the track, “that song came very quickly” says Yorke.
Further adding to her list of collaborators, Yorke recruited the help of producers including Xavier Dunn. Speaking on the value a production team adds to her creative process, the singer shares “I’m someone who tries to get really involved in the production side just by watching… I’ve tried to really observe… I love collaborating with people”.
The EP’s mid-point Nights We Waste serves as respite from the magnifying glass the remaining six tracks place on grappling with change. With her vibrant vocal anchoring the track, Nights We Waste adds weight to the concept of Liberosis, extending its meaning to the peaks and valleys of her coming of age story.
Of guiding the EP title to match Yorke’s conceptual canvas, she shares “We wrote a lot of songs for this EP and it was very hard to pick what ones made the cut. I’m sure the others will come out at some point. I had the title after all the songs were [made]”.
The angst on Treading Water sees Yorke push boundaries as she conveys the dangerous dread of being a creative. Describing the turbulence of emotions in reaching her goals through song-writing, Yorke says, “I want to be known as a songwriter first, because that is where my heart lies”.
Liberosis is a complete and effortless collection of bliss and confusion. After seeing the title “written somewhere, then [writing] it down”, Yorke reflects on how “each song related to that… It was something I’d really gone through”.
The songstress’ perky vocal alongside dusky, cinematic production highlights Yorke’s dynamic presence as she blends self-assurance with doubt in a relaxing soundscape. As each song naturally progressed, becoming “unintentionally related” to Liberosis, Yorke has found her groove in the subdued sphere of pop, where song writing and expressive delivery make their mark.