CD Review: Bec Plath “Unrequited”

Review by: Lauren Sherritt
Bec PlathBec Plath’s debut solo EP Unrequited is the kind that sells live gig tickets. To put it plainly, this young woman has guts, a trait she showcases most beautifully on the record. With an honesty so often lacking in modern day song writing, Plath bravely explores to a remarkable extent the story of her life and herself throughout Unrequited, and compels the listener to come along for the journey.

As fans would know, Plath has already enjoyed success in Brisbane performing in local band The Bloodpoets. Unrequited is her first solo attempt and the variety within the five included tracks establishes Plath’s burgeoning talent as a singer songwriter. The melodies in the songs are bouncy and upbeat, contrasting with the sometimes more desperate lyrics, but with her strong voice Plath ties the two together well. This is exampled on the first track, “Polka Dots”, where lines such as “I go through everyday in such a routine/I go through everyday not living my dream” are coupled with a catchy, bouncy melody. The sinister, dark edge to this song makes it sensual, passionate and surprising.

The other songs’ lyrics are no less intricate and their stories are just as unique to the songwriter. Title track “Unrequited” possesses a chorus which sneaks into your mind days after listening, halting you and making you think, “That’s catchy, what is that?” Track three, “Faith” is a welcome change from the hard hitting strength of the first two songs, beginning a little slower and softer, though no less passionate. While the honesty in her lyrics may make those commonly used to upbeat, more shallow pop music uncomfortable, Bec Plath’s writing showcased on this album is truly a work of art and demonstrates the time and effort obviously put into the creation of Unrequited.

In her self described style of “baroque pop”, the strength and passion of Plath’s deep voice is supported by a clean piano, drums and guitar backing. Perhaps because Unrequited was mainly produced and remastered by Plath herself, her vocals hold a raw quality; not hidden behind a computer or instruments. Mentored along the way by Brendan Anthony (of BAM Music), her sound produced on the EP is mature and well beyond her years of experience. At times all that is needed is for her diction to be slightly clearer, only to make her remarkable lyrics easier to understand without having to read them from the album leaf.

While the depth of Plath’s music may not immediately appeal to everyone, this young lady is sure to spark a lot of hype if she continues to work as hard as she has on Unrequited. Definitely a new Australian artist to watch.


Bec Plath