Just as the waves slowly lap up on the shore in Byron Bay, so does Ally Palmer come back into view with her new single, “Apple of My Eye,” her first sip from her upcoming sophomore album, Take Me to the Water. This track is not just a song but a soulful journey that signifies a fresh step in the musical journey for Ally.
‘Apple Of My Eye’ is a pleasing mixture of old-school soul and indie folk with a breezy surf rock feeling. Right from the initial plucked notes, Ally’s music whisks you away into an embrace that feels like a lazy summer day by the ocean. Her smooth harmonies and heartfelt lyrics make one yearn for days long past, where time leisurely dawdles by and life’s little pleasures occupy front and centre.
There is a subtle yet perceptible evolution that can be traced in Ally’s sound with the new release. Her sound has only grown further since 2020, when she started playing with more musicians. This band collaboration has given her songs a groove-based sound, best expressed in a live performance. The net effect is clarity and maturity that are dazzling.
Ally’s musical influences are woven into the fabric of ‘Apple Of My Eye.’ Brought up on a diet of Bruce Springsteen, Paul Kelly, Neil Young, and Van Morrison, these qualities of classic artists run through her music. This upbringing—filled with family sing-a-longs around the campfire and crackling vinyl records—flows directly into her musical style. This grounding, laced with a drop of unique artistry, presents something both listeners would know yet delightfully different.
Besides her talents in music, Ally Palmer is also a multi-instrumentalist, surfer, and environmentalist, making her a Byron Bay resident to the fullest. All is infused with a love for the sea and the great outdoors that wafts through her music, adding an element of authenticity and charm to all she does. Her aqua-blue Kombi van and iconic 60s surf pop vibe is an aesthetic that isn’t contrived; it’s a lifestyle that she is.
Ally Palmer’s journey from an Australia-touring keyboardist to a rising, acclaimed solo performer is inspirational. She has these two self-released EPs, some Australia-wide radio play, and went viral with her track ‘Takin’ It Easy,’ which all set her firmly in place among the music community. Now, with ‘Apple Of My Eye,’ she continues to captivate—this time, she offers a soul-soothing serenade that feels light and invigorating.
So let ‘Apple Of My Eye’ be the soundtrack of your summer. A song that brings a touch of soul into the mundane. And with Ally Palmer leading the charge, this will be a musical ride like few others—about as refreshing and revitalising as a swim in the ocean.
Listen to ‘Apple Of My Eye’ below: