Grace Woodroofe's new album, Rotate On The Ache, Pt. 1, is a powerful and deeply personal exploration of her journey through emotional abuse and the process of reclaiming her identity and career. This two-part project is a testament to her resilience and artistic growth, offering a satisfying and self-contained listening experience that leaves a lasting impact.
Woodroofe's music has always been a means of self-expression and healing. Her debut album, Always Want, was produced by blues and roots icon Ben Harper and recorded with his band, Relentless7. Since Heath Ledger's passing in 2008, Ben has been a mentor and support system, guiding Woodroofe through her musical career.
The new album delves into the dark and often hidden aspects of romantic relationships, particularly the signs of emotional abuse that Woodroofe experienced. The song 'A Love That Could Kill' captures the turning point where the signs of abuse became impossible to ignore, and the relationship began to slide into toxicity. This song sets the tone for the entire album, which chronicles Woodroofe's journey of reclaiming her identity and career after escaping emotional abuse.
The album's sequencing mirrors the experience of being inside a budding romance that steadily slides into toxicity. Woodroofe admits that it's often difficult to recognize the signs of emotional abuse until much later, and she wanted to take listeners on a journey in real time, capturing the intoxicating, exciting, and euphoric beginning of the relationship.
The album showcases Woodroofe's rich and dramatic voice, which drives tracks like 'Promise of Everything' and 'I Love You Babe'. These songs move effortlessly between moments of intimacy and wide-screen, guitar-assisted revelry, creating a captivating and immersive listening experience.
One standout track, 'Control My Universe', disguises its pain in a lush arrangement. Woodroofe's soulful phrases could be mistaken for tender, but the distressing subtext adds depth to the song. This track also reunites her with an old collaborator, Matt Corby, who wrote the song with her at Rainbow Valley, a magical place nestled in the rainforest of Northern New South Wales.
The album's production and songwriting are exceptional, with Oscar Dawson playing a crucial role in bringing Woodroofe's vision to life. Dawson's tasteful shredding and glistening arpeggios complement Woodroofe's hypnotic voice on tracks like 'Say You Will'. The album also features collaborations with other songwriters, including Dustin Tebbutt, Lachlan Bostock, and Xavier Dunn, contributing to its rich and diverse sound.
Despite the heavy subject matter, Rotate On The Ache makes for gorgeous listening. The album's themes and emotions resonate deeply, and Woodroofe's ability to transform pain into art is truly remarkable. The album's title, Rotate On The Ache, reflects the memories looping through her mind and the process of releasing pain and moving on.
Rotate On The Ache, Pt. 1 is a satisfying and self-contained listening experience, but the story doesn't end there. Woodroofe hints at a darker and more intense part two, featuring rock and heavier songs to reflect the manic pain and dissociation. However, the album does reach a hard-earned happy ending, evidenced by Woodroofe's revived career and confidence.
In conclusion, Rotate On The Ache, Pt. 1 is a powerful and deeply personal album that showcases Grace Woodroofe's resilience, artistic growth, and ability to transform pain into art. It is a must-listen for anyone who has experienced emotional abuse or is struggling to reclaim their identity and self-worth. Woodroofe's music is a testament to the power of self-expression and the healing process, leaving a lasting impact on listeners.
