IT'S difficult to grasp succinctly who Olivia Bartley is from her music. The use of the stage name Olympia, combined with a highly-stylised platinum bob haircut and futuristic stage attire create a detached image.
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Yet it also provides the Wollongong artist with room to explore and inhabit multiple characters. And that's exactly what happens on second album Flamingo.
Olympia's 2016 debut album Self Talk, led by the Blondie-esque single Smoke Signals, attracted ARIA Award nominations and Flamingo is a more realised effort of her '80s blend of indie art-rock.
Bartley embodies various characters throughout. One minute she's a confident rocker (Shoot To Forget), then forlorn (First You Leave), or a temptress (Easy Pleasure).
There's an air of mystery about Olympia, but the rich melodies and delicate arrangements ensure there are multiple points of engagement with this true artist.
Josh Leeson
Josh Leeson is an entertainment and features journalist, specialising in music, at the Newcastle Herald. He first joined the masthead in 2008 after stints at the Namoi Valley Independent and Port Stephens Examiner and has previously covered sport including the Asian Cup, A-League, Surfest, cricket and rugby league.
Josh Leeson is an entertainment and features journalist, specialising in music, at the Newcastle Herald. He first joined the masthead in 2008 after stints at the Namoi Valley Independent and Port Stephens Examiner and has previously covered sport including the Asian Cup, A-League, Surfest, cricket and rugby league.
