There is something refreshingly unfiltered about TIAHN’s debut EP ‘LiFe iS wEiRd’. Rather than simply presenting a polished version of adulthood, the Meanjin/Brisbane artist throws herself headfirst into its contradictions, capturing the uncertainty, frustration, excitement and occasional absurdity of navigating your twenties with equal parts humour and honesty.
Across six tracks, TIAHN crafts a colourful collection that feels like a scrapbook of personal experiences. The project moves effortlessly between confidence and vulnerability, never lingering in one emotional space for too long. Much like the period of life it documents, ‘LiFe iS wEiRd’ is unpredictable, occasionally chaotic, and all the more engaging because of it.
Opening track ‘Woman (On My Own Terms)’ immediately establishes the EP’s bold personality. Driven by bright electronic textures and an unmistakable sense of self-assurance, it transforms irritation into empowerment without ever feeling heavy-handed. It’s a statement of intent from an artist who understands the value of standing her ground while still allowing room for playfulness.
Next, ‘Dodgeball’ showcases TIAHN’s knack for turning life’s frustrations into something unexpectedly uplifting. Its infectious energy and buoyant melodies give the track a sense of forward motion, reflecting the resilience that runs throughout the EP. Even when addressing setbacks, there is a determination to keep moving rather than dwell on disappointment.
The EP’s softer moments are equally effective. ‘This Is Love’ strips away some of the theatricality found elsewhere on the release, allowing genuine tenderness to take centre stage. The understated arrangement creates space for an intimate performance that highlights a different side of TIAHN’s songwriting, one grounded in sincerity rather than spectacle.
And that spectacle returns in full force on ‘More’ and ‘Liar’, two of the EP’s most ambitious moments. Expansive arrangements, vibrant instrumentation, and dramatic flourishes elevate both tracks, while TIAHN’s personality remains firmly at the centre. Whether examining ambition or confronting betrayal, she approaches each subject with sharp observation and a willingness to laugh at life’s complications even when they sting.
Closing track ‘Bitch Face’ serves as a fitting conclusion, bringing together many of the qualities that make the EP so enjoyable. Self-aware, witty, and unapologetically confident, it leaves us with a clear sense of who TIAHN is as an artist.
With its blend of indie-pop charm, soulful influences, and larger-than-life personality, ‘LiFe iS wEiRd’ introduces TIAHN as an artist unafraid to document life’s twists and turns exactly as she experiences them. It’s a confident first statement from a songwriter who clearly has plenty more stories to tell.