Tag: shoulder to shoulder

  • EP Review – Ullah: For Then

    EP Review – Ullah: For Then

    Wear It

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    The debut EP from Ullah is here, bringing together a mix of previously released singles and a couple of live favourites. The Perth/Boorloo songwriter, now based in Melbourne/Naarm (yep, another one), makes a strong opening statement.

    Opening track I Want It All has been a radio darling since its release, showcasing Ullah’s knack for catchy, singalong songwriting. It’s a declaration of dreams and desire, balanced by the uncertainty that often comes with them. There’s a playful edge to the vocal delivery—especially in lines like “how did you know where to go?”—before the track swells into a climactic, emotionally charged finish. It’s pretty special indie-pop.

    If I Were A Fish leans into Ullah’s alternative-rock side. Full of interesting rhythms and weighty guitar riffs, it digs into self-reflection with lines like “tell me who you think I’ll be, even if it means dishonesty”. It’s a short track that erupts at the end, like a release of pent-up energy.

    Previously released single Shoulder to Shoulder is a gorgeous stripped-back alt-folk song, exploring the subconscious voice that wears away confidence. “I wear it” suggests an acceptance of that inner dialogue—learning to carry it, rather than silence it. It’s a quiet standout.

    How To Dance parts one and two offer a clear indication of what the band are capable of. Pt. 1 is a quiet, introspective exploration of the inhibitions that grow with us as we age, building into a short, anthemic release. Pt. 2 flips this—and is the most energetic and danceable track on the EP. The singalong moment “I’m looking through my own eyes” is punchy and memorable, with soaring guitar work driving it forward.

    It’s clear that Ullah uses music as a vehicle for self-exploration and healing, and the songwriting is raw and honest because of it. The ability to turn these feels into both compelling alt-rock noise and indie-pop hooks suggests there is something genuinely special developing here.

  • Single Review – Ullah: Shoulder To Shoulder (2025)

    Single Review – Ullah: Shoulder To Shoulder (2025)

    With Ullah’s debut EP arriving later this month, we thought we’d take a look at her last single. Released a last year, Shoulder To Shoulder is Ullah at her most stripped back and really shows off the depth of her songwriting.

    “I’m honest”, Ullah sings in the opening line, before revealing “yet I tell myself white lies, porky pies”. It summarises the song as an introspective look at how the inner voice speaks within, and the way a lack of self-confidence can eat at that voice. The “I wear it” line that echoes throughout the tune gives us hope, it seems to say – yes this is inside me, this is how I feel, and it is part of my internal dialogue, but I’m not going to fight it, I’m going to “wear it” like a badge of honour and get on with it.

    Musically the song starts stripped back with a very nice, Something in The Way-esque sounding acoustic guitar accompanying the vocals, perfect for the intimate nature of the song. The music then builds to match the lyrics, starting with some simple vocal harmonies and lifting to a subdued crescendo. It’s a build-up but the song maintains that initial intimacy, a nice effort on the production front.

    Very much looking forward to what comes next from Ullah.