One of our favourite aspects of running a new music site is when we get to join an artist or band at the start of the journey. Our latest discovery is Pomaa, an emerging songwriter from Melbourne who has already started to carve out a reputation as a musician specialising in the psychedelic and dreamy fringes of alternative rock. She made her debut back in 2021 with the emotionally charged ‘I Can’t Wait ‘Til This Doesn’t Matter’, but since then she’s been quietly honing her craft. With an EP ready to be loosed onto the world later this year, Pomaa has returned with cosmic new single ‘Back in Time’.
Our ears immediately pricked up upon hearing the first few washed-out guitar strums that signalled the arrival of an earwormy electric guitar melody and brooding bass line. These string elements are also joined by alt-rock drums that are distinctly upbeat while also maintaining a certain kinetic energy. All of this would be nothing without Pomaa‘s alluring vocal performance, one that sounds equal parts passive and emotional. Her vocals are raw and real, never stepping over beyond the steady delivery that she’s mastered and not relying on a myriad of production techniques to hide her organic tones. It adds to the sense that you’re listening into someone’s racing thoughts as they weigh up the pros and cons of their current relationship.
Here Pomaa explains the dilemma that’s played out throughout ‘Back in Time’: “This song has two sides to the story – wanting to revert to the past and wanting to move forward to something new. I know I have experienced both of these mindsets and I think listeners will relate to that too.”
This theme of being trapped in indecision is played out in the cyclical composition of the track; the drums, guitars, and bass repeatedly return to short-circuit refrains. The lyrics, particularly in the chorus, also circle the same words, for example “you wanna go back, you feel alone, / you wanna go back to where you’re known, / you wanna go back to your prime, / you wanna go back, back in time.” Evidently, this track swims in wishful thinking and warped nostalgia, one that won’t find an easy resolution, but that doesn’t mean that listener isn’t going to enjoy this shoegazey, indie-doused ride.
Listen to ‘Back in Time’ below and be on the look out for Pomaa‘s Bridge To Somewhere EP coming out later this year.
You can also listen to ‘Back in Time’ in our Outsiders Club playlist.
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