Combe hasn’t kept having only a few single releases in her back catalogue from her storming her way onto the indie music scene. Having secured support slots with the likes of indie veterans The Courteeners, Miles Kane and Blossoms, and an impressive repertoire of festival performances, Combe is no ordinary newcomer. Combe presents her most mature and sophisticated compositions to date in the form of her latest mixtape Black Is The New Gold.
The first track on the album, “Are You With Me?” was originally released in 2021, and takes its place as her debut to the world. The phenomenal cut takes roots in funky, toe-tapping percussion beats before Combe’s distinctive vocals break through taking the limelight – a truly powerful opener. Inspirations from Alabama Shakes’ warm soulful sound are found veined throughout various tracks, most notably on “A-game” and “Talking Bout Heartaches”.
“It’s more soulful and it’s probably the first tune where I’m not singing about being in love or heartbroken. I’ve always felt quite disconnected from my black ancestry [being a mixed race girl] so this song for me is about exploring more of my black roots, lyrically and musically,” Combe comments on the title track on the record. Encouraged by her mum to explore her heritage through her music, Combe uses the titular single "Black Is The New Gold" to indulge the importance of her family history and enlighten her listeners on her journey as both an individual and an artist.
Taking its place as the mixtapes ballad, “Why’d You Say You Love Me?” juxtaposes the themes of self-love found in the previous track, and instead focuses on a narrative of distrust in romance and being let down by a partner.
“You said that I was poison / a danger to your mind” Combe croons in the opening of album closer “Over You”. “I can’t believe I cried over you” she declares, as she finishes the album with a statement of flourishing in solitude, learning to read warning signs and avoiding toxicity. Backed by insatiable drum beats, Combe's vocal performance is truly impressive and maintained throughout the record.
Described as “a future megastar” at only 23 years old, Combe has left an indisputable impression on music consumers and critics alike. Brooke Combe's debut record at only eight tracks long is everything we wanted it to be and more.
