Jane Woody

Time Off Magazine:

This is a very delicate EP. Every time I take it out of its case, I’m paranoid not to ruin it - not because the CD is fragile, but because the songs are so beautiful I’d hate anything to destroy them.

There’s something about each song being so short too - didn’t somebody say the best things come in small packages? In the ten minutes it takes to listen to this EP, you’ll soon realise there’s nothing unnecessary on it, from the opening and closing video game music (Ms Woody is just a tad obsessed with old Ataris and the like) to the simplicity of her guitar playing and lyrics: “You’re feeling better, you cook for two now…”.

And when it’s over I challenge you not to have a smile on your face.

(Daniel Crichton Rouse)

Time Off Magazine:

Just like most of us, Jane Woody grew up with the tinny sounds of Super Mario Bros blaring out of the television speakers.

Long before the days of surround-sound and online gaming, it was these little 8-bit characters that kept us entertained for hours upon hours after school. But while many of us came to forget our old game systems as we got older, Woody became nostalgic, and along with cassettes and walkmans, longs for the technology of old.

“The soundscapes in California Games had a really deep impact on me as a kid, [but] most important was probably the Alex Kidd theme song. It’s genius!” the songwriter says, with a giggle.

“Anyway, for me it’s just the old-school feel of things like Galaga, Ataris and walkmans that influence my sound. I’d be happy to record on my tape recorder and release my work on cassettes if there was a following for that kind of thing. Maybe I will release my next record on tape!” she threatens.

Librarian by day, songwriter by night, Woody seems content in her own private Neverland.

“I think I’ve always been a bit of a day-dreamer. I was obsessed with Roald Dahl as a kid, and his imagination really inspired me. I am definitely an escapist; numerous times in my day I think to myself ‘That would make a great drawing’ or ‘This would make a great song’ – it’s my way of taking myself out of a situation and into my imagination.”

And although she promises to perform longer pieces in concert, her debut EP Exit to Dos is a delightful collection of musical bites, each coming in at around two minutes.

“Sometimes a short little song on its own is kind of beautiful, you know? Just when you think you’ve figured it out, it ends, and you’re left wanting more, so you press play again… or rewind.”

Obscure Sound:

These songs feel like home. They may not have the major label touch or pander to any current scene but there is something so comfortably warm about them.

Coming on like a mousier and more effervescent Cat Power, Australian singer-songwriter Jane Woody has created a genuine gem of an EP which won’t change your life. But you can bet your balls it will brighten up your day.

8.2/10