First impressions aren’t always right. If you’ve been foolish enough to nail down the sound of acclaimed songwriter Gretta Ziller, then prepare to have the rug pulled out from under you. Queen of Boomtown, her stunning debut record, defies categorisation and demands repeated listens.
Ziller’s sound may bear the hallmarks of classic Americana music but its essence is far more diverse. The Melbourne songstress’ roots span jazz, blues, rock, pop and classical, that eclectic musical upbringing is reflected in the varied tracks of this full-length album.

There’s certainly some classic country influence in the gorgeous production of ‘Jude’ and ‘Go On’, but that vanishes quickly on the rock stomper ‘Let it Go’ or the sparse, aching piano ballad ‘This is Gonna Hurt’ and the sultry ‘Whisky Shivers’. No matter the mood, Ziller demonstrates an assured sense of melody, building on the promise of ear-catching 2014 EP Hell’s Half Acre. ‘Round and Round’ features the intense baritone vocals of Henry Wagons & feels like an instant classic, echoing of the great duets, from Cash and Carter to Cave and Harvey. Written over an almost six-year period, this collection covers vast emotional territory.

While the album title might appear to be big-noting, one listen to title track ‘Queen of Boomtown’ and its self-deprecating context becomes apparent. Ziller’s paints a picture of isolation, standing tall in a metaphorically abandoned town. “Picking this song as the title was tough for me because at first glance it may come across as me thinking I’m the ‘top of the pile’,” Ziller explains. “But, in fact, the song is the opposite. I guess that’s what I wanted my album to sound like … people may think it’s going to be like my EP – maybe more country – but it’s not. First impressions aren’t always right.”