This is an exceptionally beautiful piece of work from Melbourne songwriter and producer Hana Stretton. The distinctive combination of folk, ambience and field recording she honed so expertly on previous releases The Thrill of Loneliness and Soon is as enchanting as ever, tape distortion, subtly layered harmonies and suggestive guitars taking their cues from the likes of Grouper and The Microphones before pushing off into altogether uncharted territory. Yet even in the context of such an impressive back catalogue, 'As It Was Before This' feels like a real step forward, its ensemble backing vocals (courtesy of the Forest Creek Folk Choir) both illuminating and shadowing Stretton's mantra-like lead melody like flickering candles. It's the sound of an artist with a remarkably clear vision feeling increasingly ready to share it with the rest of the world.

It's taken from her new album, tiarn, out 7th August: a self-release 'with with assistance from Lima Limo, P.W. Elverum & Sun, Impartmaint, Brierfield Flood Rress'.