Meanjin cover

Meanjin

Thelma Plum · 2022

19 min · 6 tracks

A heartfelt blend of folk and pop, woven with rich storytelling and introspective melodies that resonate deeply.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Brown Snake — This opening track sets the tone for the EP, blending poignant lyrics about connection to land with haunting melodies that draw listeners into Plum's world.
  • →
    When It Rains It Pours — With its catchy chorus and relatable themes of resilience, this track stands out as an anthem for navigating life's challenges while maintaining hope.
  • →
    Baby Blue Bicycle — This song showcases Plum's storytelling prowess, capturing nostalgia and longing through vivid imagery and personal reflections that evoke strong emotional responses.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

Thelma Plum's debut EP showcases strong songwriting and cohesive themes, marking her emergence in the Australian music scene.

What we noticed

  • The first track opens with a soft acoustic guitar, setting a reflective tone that continues through the EP.
  • Each song features layered vocal harmonies, often building in intensity as they progress.
  • The lyrics frequently incorporate personal anecdotes and cultural references, creating a narrative thread across the tracks.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • quick bursts of introspection
  • heartfelt storytelling in brief
  • for reflective moments
  • easy sing-alongs with friends

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy immersive experiences
  • dislike emotional vulnerability

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on August 12, 2022, 'Meanjin' is Thelma Plum's debut EP, following her acclaimed singles that established her as a prominent voice in Australian music. This project marks a significant moment in her career, showcasing her growth as a songwriter and her ability to connect with audiences through personal narratives.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • When It Rains It Pours

    The bridge shifts from reflective verses to an uplifting declaration of perseverance amid adversity.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 The Brown Snake 3:15
  • 2 When It Rains It Pours 4:13
  • 3 Backseat of My Mind 4:25
  • 4 Baby Blue Bicycle 3:07
  • 5 Bars On My Windows 2:11
  • 6 The Bat Song 2:41

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata