Look Up

Look Up

Brisbane-born Sasha McLeod had already established her ear for homespun hooks and collagelike production on 2024’s Zorb, her J Award-winning debut album as Sycco. The colourful sounds on Look Up are less far-flung by comparison, but every bit as warmly immersive. Working with co-producer Oscar Sharah and repeat collaborator Chrome Sparks, McLeod locates a quieter, more grounded version of her signature psychedelia here. The title track rides along on a bright junkyard beat and chopped vocal samples, while several songs pitch McLeod’s vocals higher or lower for layering purposes. “Wait Up” resembles elastic hyperpop slowed down to the point of warped R&B, and McLeod gives more soulful vocal turns on “All That I’ve Been Feeling” and the dizzily romantic “Tell Me When You’re Home”. Morphing synths and beats are a constant source of engagement as McLeod’s playful spirit remains in sharp focus. That’s especially true of “Hunny”, a patchwork piece of art-pop that abruptly switches to prowling dance music for its instrumental second half. It feels like McLeod remixing herself in real time—and loving every second of it.