Brisbane’s indie-pop landscape has found a compelling new voice in Rhiana Jay. An emerging alt-pop songwriter, Rhiana has recently stepped out of the bedroom studio and into a fully realised musical world with her debut studio-produced single, ‘That Look in Your Eyes’.
An instantly ensnaring release, the new single marks a striking evolution for the Rhiana, moving away from the lo-fi charm of her self-produced early releases, ‘Cool Girl’ and ‘Like a Shield’, towards a grander, more cinematic musical landscape. Produced, engineered, and mixed locally in Brisbane by Blair Condon, the track is a self-assured leap forward that balances raw intimacy with pristine studio values.
Musically, the single balances contrasting textures with impressive poise. A tinny acoustic guitar provides the focal point, while a deep, shifting bassline drives the rhythm forward. It’s a track set beautifully against a backdrop of dreamy, swirling guitars, evoking the classic, slow-burning indie of Mazzy Star alongside the sharp, contemporary emotional storytelling of Julia Jacklin.
Layered into this foundation are lush, cinematic orchestral arrangements that elevate the track, giving it a cinematic, widescreen feel that amplifies the emotive weight of it all. Rhiana’s haunting vocals sit comfortably above the arrangement, steering the listener through a landscape thick with reverb and weighted by a deep sense of wandering emotion.
At its core, the track thrives on a potent sense of longing and lingering tension. The songwriting captures the complex subtleties of unspoken attraction with sharp precision. Describing the narrative inspiration behind the track, Rhiana explained: “It’s about the unspoken desire between two people who know they can’t ever be together. The intense longing that can be shared in a look. I wanted the song to rise and fall, to build tension, to tease”.
The track refuses to rush, opting instead to simmer quietly before swelling into a rich, melancholic blend of indie-pop. It is a confident, balanced, and wonderfully ensnaring release that serves as the first taste of three new singles scheduled for release this year.
‘That Look in Your Eyes’ is available now on all major streaming platforms, and you can keep up with her musical journey by following her on Instagram.
